Robert Hightower is a Bay Area-based artist whose work explores themes of identity, mental health, and human connection through a striking monochromatic palette. A self-taught painter, he blends realism and abstraction, using raw textures and bold contrasts to evoke deep emotional resonance. His work was featured in the 2023 de Young Open, an experience that solidified his commitment to documenting personal and collective struggles through art. Drawing from his own journey, Hightower challenges viewers to engage with the unseen narratives beneath the surface, transforming pain into visual storytelling.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Robert Hightower creates bold, monochromatic works that explore identity, mental health, and human connection. Blending realism with abstraction, his raw, textural approach invites viewers to confront unseen narratives and emotional depth. His art serves as both a personal exploration and a reflection of collective experiences, transforming struggle into visual storytelling.