Ariela Robinson
Chicago
@art_by_ariela
Survivor 

Twist on Cancer: From day one, cancer was an opportunity for me to make any changes that would bring me closer to the life that I was meant to live. The changes that it invited me to make allowed me to improve the way that I eat, what I do with my time and how I view my family, friends and the world. I am grateful for the experience that cancer gave me to put my life in perspective and to gain wisdom that one can only get through challenges. I am so blessed to look back at this challenging moment in my life and to say that I truly understand how much strength and resilience is built in my bones. I have grown immensely this year.

Alice Raymond
France/USA
CargoCollective.com/AliceRaymond
@aliceraymondartist

“Resilience, My Literary Heroine”
Photography- and drawing-based
18” x 24”  

Artist Statement: The artwork inspired by Ariela is an allegory infused with her optimistic and fiercely determined spirit. Her passion for literature and for sharing knowledge prompted me to create a multifaceted piece—one that intertwines depictions of literary heroines with my artistic interest in capturing visual memories.

Ariela also enjoys painting. She portrays characters through both their physical appearance and psychological depth. For her, I revisited a photographic series that I had started long ago—one I revive on rare occasions when I encounter extraordinary human situations or astonishing landscapes. Previous pieces in this series were titled “My Best Friend,” “My Best Student,” “Jardin.”

For Ariela, I called upon a multitude of other women, both real and fictional. This “fictional reality” felt perfectly in tune with the nature of our exchanges—carried out across the time zones of Chicago, Miami and France.

The figure that emerges here embodies the strength of all the literary heroines. Her face shifts through various stages—it grows, softens, her hair shortens and grows back, her weapons are both imagined and real. Within her features are interwoven traces of both the fictional heroines and the women who have portrayed them: Emma Bovary, Anna Karenina, Josephine March, Janie Crawford, Hester Prynne—among many others, 50 in all.

Over their chests lies the emblem of resilience I designed: a symbolic code representing the word resilience. It flows like a current, a vigorous stream, like blood surging in a single heartbeat or another symbol of infinity itself.

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Tax Information

Auction proceeds benefit future Brushes With Cancer programs at the Arsht.

Contributions to Adrienne Arsht Center are fully tax-deductible less the fair market value of goods and services received. The fair market value for the goods and services associated with this gift is $1,200.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. To obtain registration information, visit fdacs.gov or call 1-800-435-7352.

Photo credit: Morgan Sophia Photography