Designer Joseph Robinson, known as Joe Freshgoods, channels a sense of community in his exhibition ‘A Friend Named Cousin,’ held during the Paris Olympics. Inspired by the camaraderie among Black artists like James Baldwin and Nina Simone, the exhibition delves into themes of friendship, love, and authenticity, showing that family in the Black community often extends beyond blood ties.
“Depending on the family you have, your friends become your family as you get older,” Robinson said to Essence. “Blood is just a fluid; people from different parts of the world can become family.”
In his curatorial debut, Robinson unveiled his first art piece, a quilt titled “Looking Over Me,” inspired by Faith Ringgold. The quilt honors his great-grandfather and grandfather, featuring Pan-African colors and stars symbolizing the Great Migration. The back reads “ALABAMA, CHICAGO, PARIS,” marking Robinson’s journey and connections.
The exhibition includes works from friends like Jewel Ham, Benga Minthe, Jahlil Nzinga, Teoni, and Goldie Williams, each exploring the idea of chosen family through various mediums. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant display of intentional art, signaling Robinson’s promising start in the art world. Alongside the exhibition, he released the “A Friend Named Cousin” sneaker collection with New Balance, available via raffle.
“To curate my first show and have my first piece abroad was scary, but I wanted to show up and show out,” Robinson said proudly.
A Friend Named Cousin
17 Rue des Filles du Calvaire
Paris 75003
France
