Prophet Royal Robertson
Bio
Royal Robertson (1936-1997) covered every inch of his Baldwin, Louisiana home and yard with hand-made signs and apocalyptic paintings. Visitors of this self-proclaimed prophet were greeted with large, weather-beaten signs warning “NO DIVORCE WHORE'S ALLOWED” (sic) and “ALL CRAZY PERSONS KEEP OFF LOT” before entering his home.
Once inside, shrines to his both beloved and despised ex-wife, Adell, came into focus amid poster board renderings of future cities, space autos, couples engaged in sex, and detailed calendars chronicling his daily woes. Referencing sources as disparate as the Bible, science fiction magazines, pornography, and cheap tabloid newspapers, his work manages to graphically illustrate the daily concerns that occupied his mind, both real and imagined.
Exhibition History
Selected Exhibitions
2023
Death of an Outsider, SHRINE, LA
2016
Shrine, NYC
Untitled ("Manda Going"), 1980, collage, enamel paint, marker, ink and tape on found photo, 11 1/2x 8 in
Untitled (ZOIN), 1980, enamel, ink, tape and collage on poster board, 28 x 19 in
Untitled ("Extremies"), 1970, enamel, ink, and marker on cut poster board, 22 x 28 in
Lord Royal Floater, 1970, enamel, marker and ink on poster board, 22 x 28 in
Untitled (Whoish Crazy Mothers), 1990, 28 x 22 in
Untitled (environmental work), enamel paint, wood, glitter, and nails, 23 x 66 x 3 in
Untitled (spaceship), 1990, enamel paint, marker, ink and glitter on poster board, 22 x 28 in