“To not create is to not exist. I’ve been given a talent, a passion, this passion cannot be contained in my life. What you see externally is what I am experiencing internally.”
ARTIST STATEMENT
ROBIN APPASAMY
Robin Appasamy, a Canadian-born Red River Métis Indigenous curator and contemporary visual artist based in Honolulu, Hawaii, has established a distinctive presence in art through her innovative and visionary practice. Over the past decade, she has mastered encaustic materials, redefining the potential of wax and mixed media while expanding the boundaries of encaustic techniques. Her versatility extends into three-dimensional art, where she uses superimposed layers to evoke profound emotional connections. Through plaster and fiber work, Robin's creations reflect a deep commitment to material exploration and storytelling. Robin's Giclee Collection is a remarkable achievement, celebrated for its timeless beauty and the innovative process of translating her deeply textural, three-dimensional practice into two-dimensional print work. This transformation captures the essence of her layered compositions, preserving their depth and complexity while offering collectors a unique opportunity to own pieces that reflect Robin's artistic vision and her dedication to capturing the beauty and wonder of Hawaii. Each work is a testament to her passion and serves as a cherished memento, vividly expressing the connection to Hawaii she brings to life through her art.
As demand for her work grew, Robin embraced a professional journey that brought her into collaboration with architects and designers, creating bespoke artworks for residential and commercial spaces. Her accomplishments include representation in prestigious galleries, contributions to Permanent Government Archives, and acquisitions of her original works by State and Federal Offices. Robin's artistic reach extends to retail, where she has partnered with high-profile brands such as Nordstrom, Kit + Ace, Lei Palm, DFS Hawaii, and Japan. Her noteworthy projects include custom hand-painted kimonos for Lotus and Lime, collector labels for Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet, a showroom gallery collection for an Oahu-based furniture brand, and bespoke wallpaper designs for Luxe Walls Australia. Robin's luxury art collections seamlessly combine Fine Art and Gemstone Collecting, featuring works adorned with rare and opulent gems. Her Diamond, Carnelian, and South Sea Pearl collections have found homes through curated events with elite luxury resorts such as Four Seasons, Hilton, and Marriott Bonvoy. Robin achieves a harmonious blend of artistic expression and luxury through these collections, catering to the most discerning collectors.
Beyond her practice, Robin is a dedicated advocate for the arts. As a board member of Hawaii Craftsmen, she plays a vital role in supporting fellow artists and strengthening the local art community. Her commitment to fostering artistic growth reflects her belief in the art world's importance of collaboration and shared creativity. Guided by her faith in the essence of art as an expression of emotion and imagination through the artist's hands, Robin bridges the divide between commercial and fine art. Her work draws inspiration from art masters, the textures of architecture and design, and the emotional resonance of color. Driven by an innate creative compulsion, she produces work from her subconscious, showcasing fearlessness and audacious creativity. Robin continues to push the boundaries of artistic convention, merging her passion for fine art, well-designed spaces, and luxury living. Her commissioned pieces are unequivocally paired, offering collectors fine artwork that complements a life of dignity, excellence, and curated elegance. Through her exceptional vision, Robin Appasamy offers art for a well-designed life—blending emotion, innovation, and timeless beauty.
Curated Fine Art for a Well Designed Life
BIOGRAPHY
Robin, a Red River Métis indigenous woman born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, embarked on her artistic journey as a self-taught prodigy. From a tender age, she generously shared her drawings and fearlessly participated in art contests, seizing every opportunity to hone her craft through after-school and weekend art classes. Tragically, the loss of her mother at the age of eight plunged her into a world of harsh realities, where art became her sanctuary, imbuing her creations with anticipation, hope, and resilience.
In high school, Robin's innate talent captured the attention of Mr. Larry Burdeny, her art teacher, who recognized her unique gift and granted her the freedom to explore various mediums. Under his guidance, she embraced her artistic prowess, laying the foundation for her remarkable journey ahead.
In 2015, Robin showcased her first solo art exhibition at Winnipeg's Frame Arts Warehouse, generously donating all profits to a non-profit cause. Mr. Burdeny, her mentor, proudly declared, "the student has surpassed the teacher," as attendees marveled at Robin's self-discovery and her innovative use of encaustic medium.
Her Premier Contemporary Art show garnered widespread acclaim, capturing the attention of notable figures such as Howard Gurevich of Gurevich Fine Art, Provincial Curators from the Province of Manitoba, Grolle Fine Art and representatives from the University of Winnipeg Art-fest and Culture Days curated departments. Even before this pivotal event, Robin had embarked on numerous commissions and collaborations with designers in Seattle, Washington, for both residential and commercial projects.
Today, Robin stands as a full-time multi-disciplinary creative, proudly based in Honolulu, Hawaii. As an esteemed curator and Hawaii Craftsman Board Member and Contemporary Visual Artist, she undertakes elevated projects for discerning Fine Art Collectors worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene with her boundless creativity and unwavering dedication.
HERITAGE
“ My people will sleep for 100 years, and when they awake, it will be the artists that give them their spirits back”
Louis Riel Founder of Manitoba
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Robin is an artist deeply dedicated to supporting communities akin to her own upbringing. Throughout the year, she commits herself to donating resources and time to nonprofit organizations with a focus on creating sustainability for people.
With a background as a retired early childhood educator, Robin has cultivated a passion for igniting creative sparks in others. Leveraging her experience, she has developed art classes aimed at providing opportunities for those who might otherwise lack access to artistic disciplines. Her objective is to inspire and nurture a love for creativity, encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and explore their artistic potential.
Through her art and teaching, Robin endeavors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, empowering them to embrace their creativity and find joy in self-expression. Each stroke of her brush and every lesson shared reflects her commitment to building a more vibrant and inclusive community.