

Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson. Book Walk Series in the Backwoods. Columbus, Ohio, 1978. Special Collections, University of Iowa Libraries.
Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson (1940-2015), an artist from Columbus, Ohio, was a speaker of history via visual images. She worked primarily with homemade paper and “hogmawg,” defined as “a collection of mud, clay, twigs, leaves, lime, animal grease, and glue.” Robinson strongly believed in the importance of history and the African concept of Sankofa, “learning from the past in order to move forward.” This unique piece, one of three in the physical exhibit, tells a tale of a community through multiple component parts encased in a pair of leather shoes. The piece invites exploration, with its folded papers and stitched fabric. But beware the needles lurking in each piece; this work is meant to be handled with care!
– Margaret Gamm, Head of Special Collections & University Archives