Robi Walters debuting his first exhibition at Quantus Gallery, A Nation of Millions is a series of new mesmerising and abstract compositions that assembles thousands of hand-cut petals, made from recycled card and used greeting cards, into transformational pieces of art.
These figurative, socially-charged pieces are born from sacred geometry, exploring inner space and the calm he seeks in his daily meditation practice. His artistic practice echoes his own life. The process of taking discarded objects and making them beautiful and ‘wanted’ reflects the spirit of transformation with which he has turned his own life around.
A Nation of Millions refers to the many hand cut petals that make up his collages. Each tiny piece comes together to form a whole – much like his spiritual practice where the individual morphs into the one, cosmic consciousness. It also references his early years and the impact hip hop culture had on him as he embarked on his creative journey writing graffiti. Walters thought it particularly fitting in 2023, the year the world celebrates the “50th Anniversary of Hip Hop” to pay his respects. The album “It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” by Public Enemy was hugely impactful and as a British youth of West Indian Heritage whose grandparents were of the Windrush generation.
His colourful, mesmerising works have taken the art world by storm. Walters was recently appointed Aston Martin’s Artist in Residence and he’s worked with 2 Michelin starred chef, Tom Kerridge to design bespoke table tops for his restaurant in London’s Corinthia Hotel. Celebrity collectors include Michael Bublé and Thandie Newton and his work has been presented to Usain Bolt. He’s worked with U2, Mary J Blige and Sir Paul McCartney to create pieces for charitable causes.
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A Nation of Millions By Robi Walters
Quantus Gallery
18.10.23 — 13.11.23
Open Monday – Friday 9.30am-6.00pm
11-29 Fashion Street, London E1 6PX