Art Review: Ashley Robinson by Rocco Francisco

 Ashley Robinson is a photographer who practices techniques that involve manipulating the subjects of her photography, color techniques, experimentation with cameras, and exploration of form.

Ashley's work from the "Final Digital" collection is a set of photos that carry extensive texture, bright colors, and motion. This is a piece that uses a digital camera to capture framed images of sculptural works that Ashley had previously made with paper, metal wire, plexiglass and her own body. The motion effect was captured by taking photos with a slow shutter speed, which when combined with the multiple colored lights creates an effect of colors appearing to separate from one another. These images are close and intimate with their subjects of focus, offering close-up compositions of these textural and color based elements.

When viewing this work I originally thought that there was going to be a much deeper meaning to it. The amount of care put to the details presented had me wondering what the significance of each element was. However, by Ashley's own admission, the choices were more the result of experimentation and seeing what would work. Describing herself as a "colorful person," the colors were a result of her own personality and aesthetic choices. The fact that these pieces were the result of experimentation and trying new things does not mean a piece with no meaning; Ashley's passion shines through in the deep exploration of her craft. 

I was especially impressed by the lack of digital editing tools in her work. On first glance, my background as a graphic designer immediately had me wondering what tools were used to achieve specific effects, such as the chromatic aberration of the colors or the blurring of objects. However, I was very pleasantly surprised when Ashley revealed that she actually doesn't enjoy using digital editing tools and prefers to work hands-on with her photography. The resulting photographs were entirely created manually by hand with thoughtful execution, another sign of Ashley's passion and attention to detail.

I entered this collection looking for a "deeper meaning" and left with the impression of an artist who has a dedication and love for her craft. The steps that she took to achieve these photographs were meticulous, showing that her work is a labor of love. The result of this work is that of an almost ethereal collection.

from Final Digital, Untitled, Digital Photography, 2024

from Final Digital, Untitled, Digital Photography, 2024

from Final Digital, Untitled, Digital Photography, 2024

Another collection of Ashley's is that of "Self Portrait" which was made using her phone and body. These carry the same ideas of experimentation, with images being taken with slow shutter speed, blur effects, and close composition. There is a focus on Ashley herself, yet these images are either taken with a blur or with close composition that only focuses on her eye. Ashley describes this as the result of playing with her own face and experimenting with photography on her phone.

Ashley mentioned that the photos she has on her website "spoke to her," with the black and white photo being her favorite. She described it as "feeling like you can creep into her soul like a door creeking open with the beam of light." Yes, these images were taken with the intent to experiment and learn; however, the result was one that she was very happy with. It is also worth noting that Ashley has her photographs speak for themselves, including them in specific collections rather than naming each one individually.

"If I wanted my photo to come out like this, it wouldn't come out that way. It was only by chance that it turned out that way."

from Self Portrait, Untitled, Phone Photography, 2024

from Self Portrait, Untitled, Phone Photography, 2024

A common saying in reference to photography is that of "capturing a moment," which is something that is relevant in Ashley's work. The two collections that I looked at came through experimentation, finding physical ways to achieve a result, and capturing images with the intent to find something good rather than just staging it. Ashley is an artist who cares about the process of her work and respects it, and this shows through both her workflow and the resulting finished product.