Exhibition Review: Maybe the Last Time, I Don’t Know by Robin Ross

Following Robin’s excellent recent exhibition of screen prints at the Tea Amantes gallery, I was keen to see how his work had moved on from this relatively recent event. The work did not disappoint, being varied in both subject and scale. It also reflects Robin’s recent travels, providing new subjects.

The 25th May date had not got into my diary, but picking it up I was able to get down after dinner of egg fried rice with anything else that was in the fridge. The 18:08 service 3 got me to The Hive in good time and to find a good group viewing the images.

They were presented in plain black frames heightening the colour’s intensity. Some were sprayed reclaimed frames, which is also nice. Robin presented all attendees with a hard-backed envelope containing one of his prints in A5; mine is a very nicely coloured version of the famous Che Guevara image.

“The work is very different from my recent show at Tea Amantes,” Robin explained. “The pieces include images from my travels, including through Cuba and the Caribbean. What’s interesting is you’re never sure what’s going to be an influence. I’m trying to do things that aren’t obvious – something that’s a bit varied.

“Some of the pieces are overlay colours – I’m trying to mix it up a bit, it feels really good. Work has been a great sanctuary for me of late – it’s been good fun. People, including fellow creatives, have been so supportive. It’s been good to see council members viewing the exhibition here tonight. The Hive and Tea Amantes are so supportive of the local art scene.

“I love it, I’ve really enjoyed making this set of pieces. The Cuban car, the big one, is one of the best pieces I’ve ever made. I’m so pleased with it – everything went right with it!”

After I’d snapped my pics for this article, I went round the room once more to make sure I’d had a proper look. In my view, the pieces really are superb, the colours well balanced and apt for the subject, superbly composed and presented.

Thanks once more to The Hive team, keeping us in drinkies and nibbles, refilling the orange juice jug so ably. I would have stayed longer, but the bus app showed that service 6 was due, so I departed stage left to catch it. Back home the lad had cued up the worst Marvel film I have ever seen, through which I mostly slept. Time with Robin’s prints would have been better spent.

These fine works are on display at Hive for the next six weeks. If you’re thinking of buying a piece, red dots were appearing already so I’d get down. Grab coffee and cake while you’re there.