Robert Hightower

What We Hold explores tension, restraint, and the quiet weight we carry. Through recurring imagery of hands, Robert Hightower reflects on pressure, responsibility, and the fragile space between holding something together and letting it break.

The Evolution of Intention As I step into my fourth year as an artist, I do so with less pressure on my shoulders, eyes wider than before, and notebooks packed with ideas. Somewhere along the way, the urgency to prove myself softened. What replaced it was intention. By now, I know I have a distinct visual language. Red tears cut through monochrome faces. Interlocking hands form objects, faces, and symbols tied to social tension and personal memory. These elements didn’t arrive overnight, nor...

As I reflect on the past year, I realize how much my intentions shaped everything that followed. My goal heading into 2025 was not just to gain exposure. I wanted real relationships, genuine partnerships, and a supportive community. I aimed to build something that could sustain me as an artist while also challenging me to grow. (L) Dr. Akilah Cadet, (R) Robert Hightower Partnering with Dr. Akilah Cadet marked the beginning of that shift. Through her support, I was able to travel and...