Amber Robles-Gordon

Cosmic Black

Mixed Media on Canvas, Series, 2009

Cosmic Black is a visual investigation of the color Black, Black Matter, and Dark matter. Black is as infinite, divine, and intricate as the backdrop of the entire universe. I am interested in the concept as noted in “astronomy and cosmology, dark matter is a form of matter that is undetectable by its emitted electromagnetic radiation, but whose presence can be inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter and background radiation. …"

“Black—characterized by its ability to emit and reflect visible light spectrum. Black—infinite, endless, and like the universe, completely uncontainable.  The color Black, Black Matter is proven to be the back drop, foundation of our universe…Dark matter makes up “80% of the matter in the universe, while ordinary matter makes up only 20%. ”

I choose items that were primarily shades of black, sliver, white or covered with glitter and appeared cosmic like. Intentionally using found items, I could slice, break, and manipulate their orientation in attempts to suspend time, and or their meaning. 

Additionally, this series was inspired by a Black Artists of DC, BADC Exhibit titled The Black Exhibit. The purpose of the exhibit was to define, explore, and relish the possibilities of Black. BADC presented artwork, which focused on the prominence of Black, yet while not excluding other colors.  The intention was to contribute to expelling the negative connotations associated with the color Black, Black people, and Black culture. Black is Beautiful. It is all encompassing, deep, and endless; a statement of power, peacefulness, and eloquence.  

From: The Black Exhibit Prospectus

Exhibit Description: 

Reach deep into the emotional, theoretical, spiritual, cultural intellectual, or physical aspects of blackness. The objective is not the absence of colors; it’s the predominance and use of the color black in your creations. 

Relish in the concept and color of black …its elegance, depth, dizzying sensation of infinity. Enfold us in your black experiences.  Stretch the definition, claim it, and adorn it. Let us reveal Black, as it has never been seen before. 

Curators, 
Amber Robles-Gordon and Daniel Brooking