The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the campaign art for the 93rd Oscars and it features two black black artists – Michelle Robinson & Temi Coker. Academy Commissions Black Artists For 93rd Oscars Campaign Art
The Academy invited seven international artists to create custom Oscar statuette art inspired by the question, “What do movies mean to you?” The artists are Temi Coker, Petra Eriksson, Magnus Voll Mathiassen, Michelle Robinson, Karan Singh, Victoria Villasana and Shawna X.
This year’s campaign features an expanded color palette, broadening the artists’ approach to reimagining the iconic statuette. Ranging across illustration, motion design, painting, photography and textile art, the pieces are drawn from the artists’ diverse personal inspirations and experiences, including theaters of 1920s and ’30s Hollywood, film as both a form of escapism and a bridge of communication, and more.
The art will be featured on the Academy’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Follow the hashtags #Oscars and #OscarNoms.
The campaign art, as well as artist statements, photos and biographies, are available at Oscars.org.
“The use of rich and bold colors in Michelle’s reimagined statuette makes the viewer feel included and represented.” Ellen Wanjiru, blackfilm.com
Self-taught African and Korean American artist Michelle Robinson was born an identical twin in Seoul, Korea, and now lives in Los Angeles. Robinson’s work explores bold contrasts, color palettes, patterns and the female form. Natural or unfamiliar, loud or subtle, she creates whimsical interpretations of the human condition using the movement of the female body as her wholly intriguing and revealing device. The artwork demands a momentous conversation between itself and the viewer concerning self-empowerment, identity, community, sexuality, freedom and the human condition. Instagram: @mister_michelle
Artist Statement: I drew my inspiration from the thoughtfully built structures that sheltered the genesis of movies: theaters. There is much to be admired about the stunningly ornate amphitheaters that were built during Hollywood’s golden era of the 1920s and ’30s. It was here, behind towering velvet curtains and beneath elaborately decorated walls and ceilings, that curious minds first began to fall in love with movies. I envisioned the Oscar silhouette encapsulated in an intricate framework that exemplifies the theater; a renowned figure centered proudly as the heart and soul within this architectural body. Theater & Performer—a sublime symbolism of body and soul.
“Temi’s piece communicates beauty, pride and strength, not only in his art but in what we do as creatives in the world.” Val Moore, Blackfilm.com
Multidisciplinary artist Temi Coker was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and now resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife. He is an alumnus of the Adobe Creative Residency and currently co-runs his own creative studio. His mix of vibrant colors and textures comes from his upbringing in Nigeria as well as his love for the African Diaspora. His style focuses on evoking emotion through color, patterns and storytelling. Instagram: @temi.coker.
Artist Statement: Movies mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me it’s about creativity, inspiration and the art of storytelling. As a Nigerian-American, I love watching movies that have people that look like me who tell our stories from our perspectives. It gives me hope knowing that Black actors, directors, writers have been given a chance to tell our stories on the big screens. I have been so inspired by Hattie McDaniel’s story and her perseverance to be the first Black woman to win an Oscar. In a lot of ways, she really paved the way for so many Black actors that you see today. I really believe “because she did, we can.” That’s why I wanted to make the Oscar statuette Black––to honor all the Black actors, writers, directors and filmmakers who have really done a great job telling our stories. I wanted this artwork to be visually striking and colorful because that’s what I feel when I watch movies that have people that look like me. This representation transcends past film and into our lives. Our future kids/mentees will look at us and think “because they did, I can.” Black representation matters and always will. I pray we never lose sight of that.
Nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, March 15, 2021.
The 93rd Oscars will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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