Robyn Tsinnajinnie is a Navajo artist from a small reservation surrounded by the endless color of the New Mexican desert. Her experiences with school, people, and living situations forced her to become independent at a young age. Her independence only motivated her to pursue education and self-confidence in her art. Soon, Robyn realized that being Native and a woman is viewed as a disadvantage but learned that it's the best advantage she can have.
Her passion for painting grew from the ability to create an unlimited amount of color that would captivate herself and others. She enjoys pairing colors next to each other to create different auras and moods that help communicate her ideas and thoughts through the practice of painting. Most importantly, painting is a therapeutic practice for Robyn to help herself understand herself as an artist and a Native woman.
Robyn Tsinnajinnie
Cover Up, 2022
“I want to use the assumptions made about women to our advantage with humor instead of anger and illustrate women in dominant positions while placing them in stereotypical environments. Their positions give more power and motivation for other women to address harsh realities and help create conversations that need to happen amongst everyone.”
Robyn Tsinnajinnie
Artist Statement:
Among many obstacles as an artist and individual, painting and women seemed to make the most sense to Robyn. Growing up primarily around women, she would listen to the many stories they would share. Soon, Robyn noticed common fears and experiences that all women tend to share. These shared stories helped Robyn break down what demonstrates power, despite the odds stacked against female figures. She believes people misrepresent women, and what they've done throughout history has gone unnoticed for so long.
I want to use the assumptions made about women to our advantage with humor instead of anger and illustrate women in dominant positions while placing them in stereotypical environments. Their positions give more power and motivation for other women to address harsh realities and help create conversations that need to happen amongst everyone. Ultimately, she wishes to show people how ridiculous stereotypes can be and to allow herself and others to laugh instead of choosing anger.