By: Joshua finley
David Robatin, an artist whose evocative works channel personal experience into powerful visual statements, continues to captivate audiences with his unique brand of figurative painting, known as “Emotionalism.” This distinctive style blends his influences from the Color Field movement, Abstract Expressionism, and Chiaroscuro, yet remains rooted in personal reflection. Through his art, Robatin taps into the raw emotions and thoughts he once struggled to express, offering his audience more than just visual art – he presents an opportunity for profound emotional connection.
Robatin’s creative journey began long before he found his artistic voice. Raised in Ohio near Cleveland, he attended Denison University, where he studied communications and studio art. Despite his early passion for art, his path diverged for many years due to personal struggles with substance abuse. However, his sobriety in 2009 proved transformative not only for his life but also for his art. After finding support from a local hospital and recovery community in Richmond, VA, Robatin rediscovered his purpose and renewed his creative spirit. Today, his work reflects this deep personal evolution, capturing the intricate journey from pain to healing, from fear to hope.
Since 2015, Robatin has been developing and refining his “Emotionalism” style, which is characterized by vibrant, gestural forms and layered acrylics that transition from light to dark. His process begins with a simple sketch – often on scraps of paper, capturing spontaneous emotions – that evolves into larger works filled with intense color. These figures, though abstract, are imbued with a palpable sense of movement and sensuality. Each piece invites the viewer to connect with their own memories and emotions, as the work taps into universal experiences. No matter the size of the painting, the emotional weight conveyed feels substantial, drawing the viewer in and encouraging them to reflect.
The paintings produced by Robatin are not just about form and technique; they are deeply personal expressions that embody the thoughts and feelings he’s processed throughout his life. His works communicate themes of vulnerability, struggle, and ultimately, redemption. “Emotionalism,” as Robatin describes it, is not only about the artist’s expression but also about creating a dialogue with the viewer. Each piece becomes a shared experience – a conversation where the observer’s own emotional response completes the work.
In his more recent years, Robatin has expanded his reach, showcasing his art at various regional exhibitions, particularly in Richmond where he currently resides. His work has garnered attention not only for its emotional depth but also for its ability to connect with viewers on a human level. The visceral quality of his paintings draws people in, not through overt subject matter but through the resonance of the emotions they evoke. As Robatin continues to exhibit his art both regionally and across the country, he remains committed to creating art that transcends the canvas, forging a bond between artist and viewer.
In addition to his creative growth, Robatin’s journey through recovery has shaped the way he engages with others. He openly speaks about the role that recovery has played in his life and his work, sharing how it has provided him with the clarity to express his deepest emotions through art. In talks and exhibitions, Robatin often shares his personal story: the years of struggle, the fear of what recovery might bring, and the overwhelming sense of hope that followed. His work, he explains, is a direct reflection of this transformation.
“For me,” Robatin shares, “art became my way of expressing things I had bottled up for years. It’s my form of healing, not just for me, but for others who might find meaning in it. When I paint, I’m not just creating an image – I’m creating an experience. I want the viewer to connect with something deeply personal, something that resonates with their own journey, and in doing so, find healing.”
The concept of connection is central to Robatin’s work. Each piece, whether large or small, serves as an invitation to the viewer to engage on an emotional level. The paintings do not simply exist for aesthetic enjoyment; they ask questions and evoke feelings that are often difficult to express in words. “How does this make you feel?” Robatin often asks. It’s not a rhetorical question; it’s an invitation for introspection and personal engagement with the art. This invitation to dialogue, coupled with his open exploration of the human experience, sets Robatin’s work apart from that of many other artists.
Robatin’s ability to connect deeply with his audience makes his work stand out in the often crowded world of contemporary art. His art is not about providing answers, but about eliciting responses – the raw emotions that come with confronting memories, thoughts, and feelings. By tapping into these universal human experiences, his work resonates on a level that is accessible yet profoundly personal. Each painting offers a new narrative, depending on the viewer’s perspective and life experience, creating a dynamic, ever-changing relationship between the artwork and the observer.
The artist’s commitment to this emotional exchange is evident in his practice, as he continues to push the boundaries of his own creativity. While his paintings often represent ordinary people and familiar themes, Robatin approaches these subjects in fresh and unexpected ways. The layering and blending of colors create depth and complexity, offering multiple dimensions that invite the viewer to linger and explore. As Robatin notes, “Art is about building connections, and I believe those connections are key to our personal growth. By sharing our experiences, we become more empathetic and compassionate, both toward ourselves and others.”
For Robatin, creating art is not just about making something beautiful; it’s about creating a space where personal growth and emotional healing can occur. Each piece is a reflection of his own journey, a manifestation of his struggle, his triumph, and his ongoing exploration of the human condition. His art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of confronting one’s inner world to move forward.
As David Robatin’s work continues to evolve, he remains focused on his mission to connect with others through his art. His journey – from addiction to recovery, from silence to expression – is one of hope, resilience, and emotional depth. Through his paintings, Robatin offers not just a view of the human form, but an opportunity for others to engage in their own emotional journeys. With every stroke of color and every figure that emerges on the canvas, he invites the viewer to share in the story – their story – that lies beneath.
David Robatin’s art is available for viewing and purchase at DavidRobatin.com and can be followed on social media through his Facebook and Instagram profiles.
Published by Stephanie M.
