Added on November 8, 2014  Brit Bachmann   , , , , , ,

Weak Stimuli

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog

Words by Brit Bachmann

Drawing from the series *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins

Drawing from the series *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins

If you are a follower of Booooooom or Juxtapoz, you have seen splashes of this graphic work. It is not a coincidence, but rather a coordinated effort to introduce people to the talent of Tyler Keeton Robbins, a multidimensional illustrator.

Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

Last month Robbins made his Vancouver debut at Catalog Gallery, located in the second floor labyrinth of Tinseltown mall. The gallery itself is unusual. Shallow and bright, Catalog offers no illusions as to the original intention of the space, which was of course commercial storefront. As with the Ayden Gallery and some other shops in Tinseltown, Catalog is a repurposed space meant to draw creative young professionals.

Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

The opening of Weak Stimuli attracted a range of people from different vocations, young and old. The crowd was a testament to Robbins’ multi faceted art practice, which is openly inspired and encouraged by his partner Amy and their kids. In addition to being a family man, Robbins describes himself as a “basement musician, nascent bilinguist [and] aspiring agrarian.”

Drawing from the series *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins

Drawing from the series *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins

Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

From his bio,

“I find the most honest and exciting ideas lay beneath critical thought. Drawing, painting, or creating anything with impatient urgency allows ideas to evolve before they’re corrupted by reason.”

Robbins starting getting exposure a few years ago. His signature triangle and pattern motifs were featured on limited-edition shirts, sneakers and hats. In 2013, Robbins provided concepts and designs for a large collaborative art installation at the Keloha Music & Arts Festival, orchestrated by Jorden and David Doody. Ditching the vibrant colours of these previous projects, Weak Stimuli offers the most enlightened glimpse into Robbins’ art practice. It is a refined shout out to the skater punk Sharpie art of his youth, yet still maintains a playful abstraction that keeps his work contemporary.
Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

Photo from *Weak Stimuli* by Tyler Keeton Robbins at Catalog Oct 8

Weak Stimuli is at Catalog Gallery until November 11. Robbin’s drawings and limited-edition zines are also available for purchase online here.

Follow Tyler Keeton Robbins on Instagram.

by Brit Bachmann

Brit is Editor-In-Chief at Discorder Magazine, Community Engagement Coordinator at VIVO Media Arts Centre, and frequent contributor to Vandocument. When she isn't writing or sneaking into studios, Brit draws.

Website