Robert Hightower's artistic practice, ignited during the pandemic and enhanced by therapy, reflects his experiences with bipolar II disorder. His dual approach of using black and white and color in his art symbolizes the contrasting phases of his mental state—depression and hypomania, respectively. Hightower aims for his work to encourage viewers to self-reflect and embrace their own existence. Growing up in Chicago and later moving to L.A., he transformed his life experiences into a rich tapestry of artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of living purposefully and authentically.
My black and white figurative works come from the depths of my depressive states, where everything feels heavy and stripped bare. In contrast, my pieces with color embody the energy and creativity of hypomania, where emotions expand and figures distort, flowing with movement that can feel both chaotic and exhilarating.
I hope that when people see my work they are given a moment of reflection, a chance to find a safe space within themselves to not only reflect on who they are but also on what it means 'to be' or 'to exist.'
L.A. felt like a movie, full of wild experiences and opportunities I could never have imagined growing up in Chicago. I found myself in circles that seemed larger than life, but eventually, I realized I was chasing something that wasn't sustainable.
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