In their essay for Sixty Inches from Center, contributor Jared Brown writes about artist Robert Earl Paige and his exhibition at the Hyde Park Art Center, The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige. Jared speculates on and responds to three elements integral to the show—community, style and glamour. 

“Paige led a workshop, encouraging my students to think critically about language, symbols, color, and intention. He introduced us to Adinkra symbols, explaining their significance and influence on contemporary culture today. The way he armed us with this information then empowered us to do what we willed with it indicated to me that he wasn’t interested in lording over us with how much more he knew. He spoke to us all as equals, he joked with us, and told us stories from many moons ago. The students took plenty away from our time with him. Guests had similar access to Paige while his show was up…. it wasn’t uncommon for visitors to be able to commune with Paige as they colored in print-out patterns of Paige’s made available in a gazebo in the middle of the gallery. There would sometimes be kids, teens, and elders at the table coloring together, talking as jazz played in the background.” — Jared Brown, Sixty Inches from Center 

Read the full story at Sixty Inches from Center. 

The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige was on view at Hyde Park Art Center April 6 – October 27, 2024. 

The installation Robert Earl Paige: Give the Drummer Some! remains open at the Smart Museum of Art through July 31, 2025.