Tributaries: A Conversation with Robin Coste Lewis
Apr 19, 2023
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Robin Coste Lewis discusses her family's history through discovered photographs, inspiring her latest book. Topics include Black intimacy, Louisiana's legacy, cosmic connections, hidden histories in archives, and finding joy amidst grief.
Family photos as a testament to Black intimacy and ingenuity.
Louisiana's significance in history, culture, and geography.
Found antique photos sparking deep artistic exploration for poet Robin Coste Lewis.
Deep dives
Robin Cost Lewis's Family History Through Discovered Photographs
Discovering a trove of photographs under her late grandmother's bed, poet Robin Cost Lewis recognizes them as a documentation of her family's history during the Great Migration. These images not only portray black intimacy and ingenuity across generations but also serve as the foundation for her new book. The images, ranging from studio portraits to snapshots, provide a glimpse into a rich history that Robin artfully explores.
Louisiana's Singular Geographical and Historical Significance
Robin Cost Lewis reflects on the uniqueness of Louisiana, emphasizing its significance geographically, culturally, and historically. Louisiana's ties to the Mississippi River, its diverse communities, early experiments in black photography, and blend of cultures create a tapestry of humanity's adaptability and resilience in a complex historical landscape.
Discovering a Trove of Antique Photographs Under Grandma's Bed
After the passing of her grandmother, Robin Cost Lewis uncovers a suitcase filled with antique photographs hidden under the bed. This serendipitous discovery, amidst the impending demolition of the house, unveils a treasure trove of visual history that captivates Robin's attention and sparks a deep artistic and scholarly exploration.
Capturing Black Intimacy and Ingenuity Through Poetry and Visual Art
Robin Cost Lewis's poetic work, from 'Voyage of the Sable Venus' to 'To the Realization of Perfect Helplessness,' centers on black bodies and identities, challenging limited representations in Western art and literature. By intertwining found photographs with her poetry, she creates an interplay between language and image, highlighting joy, mystery, grief, and celebration within the archive of black history and cultural experience.
Reframing Historical Narratives and Encountering Limitless Legacy
Through her explorations of black history and experiences, Robin Cost Lewis challenges conventional narratives, emphasizing the complexity and richness of black cultural heritage. By infusing her work with joy, celebration, and beauty, she invites readers to rethink perceptions of time, memory, and representation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cosmic and enduring legacy of black lives.
When the poet Robin Coste Lewis discovered a trove of photographs under her late grandmother’s bed, she recognized them not only as a document of her family’s history during the Great Migration, but also as a testament to Black intimacy and ingenuity across generations. From studio portraits to snapshots, tintypes to Polaroids, these pictures provide the foundation of Robin’s latest book, “To the Realization of Perfect Helplessness,” excerpts from which were published on newyorker.com.
Robin Coste Lewis formerly served as poet laureate of Los Angeles, and her debut collection, “Voyage of the Sable Venus,” won the 2015 National Book Award for poetry.
