Robert Riojas III
"Revival: A Contemporary Romance"

East Gallery
July 12 - August 30, 2025
Opening Reception:
Saturday, July 12, 6pm-9pm
ARTIST STATEMENT
My creations capture a deep sense of restoration and regeneration in the face of life's trials and tribulations. Each piece takes the viewer on a journey through the turning points of an individual's subconscious, revealing the beauty and resilience of the human condition. The work is a testament to the power of transformation and growth. Through a keen attention to detail and a skillful use of color and form, they invite the viewer to witness the profound changes that can occur within the human psyche. With a unique perspective that is both intimate and universal, my work speaks to the human experience in all its complexity. From moments of profound joy to periods of deep introspection, the art is a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity for renewal. Whether viewed as individual pieces or as part of a larger body of work, the art is moving and inspiring tribute to the power of the human journey.
As a contemporary romanticism artist, I am deeply inspired by the beauty and complexity of the world around us. My art is a reflection of the emotional process that goes into each creation, and I use vivid colors, symbolic images, and geometric shapes to convey the depth and meaning of my ideas. One of the main themes in my work is the idea that so much of what is genuine and virtuous in the world is often overlooked or discarded. I believe that by reclaiming materials and transforming them into something new and beautiful, we can help to change this narrative and give new value to the things that are often dismissed or forgotten.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to inspire others to see the beauty and potential in the world around them, and to encourage them to look beyond the surface to discover the true depth and meaning that lies within. Whether it is through the use of vivid colors, symbolic images, or geometric shapes, I hope to create art that is both beautiful and meaningful, and that speaks to the heart and soul of each viewer who encounters it.
BIOGRAPHY
I am a Mexican-American painter and sculptor based in Houston, Texas. I currently work as both an elementary educator and a professor of art. My creative practice centers on the idea of revival: the act of restoring energy, meaning, and spirit through a cycle of creation, destruction, and re-creation; often brought to life through the transformative nature of fire.
Raised in a working-class environment surrounded by laborers, construction workers, mechanics, and kitchen chefs, art was never initially part of my imagined future. I did whatever it took to help my family get by. Although I showed artistic inclinations throughout my childhood and adolescence, it wasn’t until my mid-20s that the idea of pursuing a degree in art truly took hold.
My upbringing was shaped by responsibility and resilience. After my parents separated, I helped raise my younger brother while my mother worked. I often worked alongside her, doing landscaping jobs in our neighborhood or delivering newspapers with my uncle. Even when I wasn’t paid, these early experiences taught me gratitude and gave me a deep appreciation for struggle, endurance, and growth.
Once life stabilized enough for me to pursue higher education, I enrolled at Texas Southern University, where I received foundational training in studio art and was fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors. Among them were Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, a legendary art historian; Jamaal Sheats, Director and Curator at Fisk University in Nashville; and close friends and fellow creators from graduate school who continue to inspire me; Lupe Hernandez, Clinton Millsap, Carlos Canul, and others.
My work is not just a reflection of myself, but of all who carry passion, love, anger, and persistence. It honors the beauty that rises from the ashes, the power of transformation through both fire and faith.