YEAR OF “NO FEAR”
A Retrospective Look Back At The First Year Of Activations During The Pandemic and racial awakening In the nation's capital, Washington DC
THE TRIUMPH OF PURPOSE
On March 15th, 2020, two days after the 9994 Proclamation Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), veteran creative storyteller and artist, Robert Young arrived in Washington DC with one question, “How can I be of service at a time like this?”.
Robert Young quickly and quietly endeavored to deliver “Hope In A Time Of Pandemic And Inequality” through the launch of a timely Public Art Campaign UNMASK FEAR. The campaign, born of a masked self-portrait entitled “No Fear,” has since gone on to be witnessed by hundreds of thousands of people across the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C.
Robert Young’s creative influence through the design, execution and exposition of his artworks in this past year has reconfirmed his dedication to delivering positive impact through his creative visioning of Public Art. As such, he and his team at R7 are currently embarking on driving the YEAR OF “NO FEAR” forward as their next global campaign poised to continue to provide purposeful messaging.
NOTABLE ACTIVATIONS & EVENTS IN THE YEAR OF “NO FEAR”
The Year Of “No Fear” Celebration at Eaton Hotel
Event Date: June 19, 2021
On the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, Robert Young presented a celebration of gratitude for Washington DC., a place that has provided him with the opportunity to continue to deliver large-scale Public Art Activations, even in the heart of the pandemic. The event was one of the first indoor mask-free events since the Pandemc began.
The celebration featured the World Premiere of Young’s newest artwork “The Crucifixion.” Additionally, the event was an immersive inspirational experience that included digital art galleries, delicious tastings by Tropicana Eatery and African/Caribbean Rum, Equiano, as well as our African Diaspora-inspired soundtrack by DJ Prince Royal.
A mock-up for the ages
Creation Date: June 4, 2020
On June 4th, 2020 Robert Young was invited to a private meeting between representatives of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and a handful of local artists to discuss the idea of the presentation of a mural on 16th street.
After hearing the ask Young immediately began to create a mock-up on his phone to help bring a rough visualization to the request. He proceeded to photograph a printed overhead view of 16th street and then added the words BLACK LIVES MATTER, along with the District Of Columbia Flag.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The 150ft Experience
Installation Date: June 5-7, 2020
The Unmask Fear campaign was first activated in the District of Columbia’s NoMa neighborhood. Although the planning for the activation began months earlier in response to the pandemic, the installation actually began on the day the painting of the now-famous Black Lives Matter Mural on 16th Street was revealed to the world by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
With the installation completed just two days before the burial of George Floyd. It became immediately evident that the activation was all-encompassing one in the face of overcoming fear.
The Mayor’s Commission.
Installation Date: June 26, 2020
Commissioned by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in commemoration of the House of Representatives vote to declare the District of Columbia as the 51st state, a legislative milestone, Robert Young installed 8 photographs on the historic Howard Theatre, making it his second installation of the Unmask Fear Campaign. The images were part of a total of 51 commissioned works by the Mayor that were displayed across all 8 wards.
The installation on the exterior of the 1910-built Howard Theatre is the first-ever activation of its kind to appear this historic landmark.
The District Turns 230
Installation Date: July 16, 2020
In celebration of the 230th anniversary of the District of Columbia, founded July 16, 1790, UNMASK FEAR was experienced in the heart of DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood as outdoor seating became the new norm amidst the pandemic.
Edens Elects A Change
Installation Date: October 23, 2020
Leading national real estate developer, EDENS, commissioned Robert Young to present his Unmask Fear for installation on the signature wall of their flagship property, Union Market. Replacing the extremely popular Yoko Ono Smithsonian activation, Unmask Fear is displayed in time to seen at the Union Market entrance to the DC’s Super Vote Center during the 2020 Presidential Election.
No Place Like Home
Delivery Date: January 20, 2021
Tishman-Speyer commissioned Robert Young to design a one of a kind move-in gift for the grand opening of Phase 1 of Crossing DC. The 850,000-sqft venture is Tishman-Speyer’s first residential development in Washington DC and boasts a remarkable list of amenities directed at wellness and influenced by art. This made it the perfect fit for the creation of an original Robert Young designed and customized DC-centric Welcome Gift featuring integrated fine art elements and products for 400 units and 10 luxurious penthouses.
The Future Projected
Installation Date: April 29, 2021
Robert Young returns to Navy Yard to present a commemorative projected Public Art Activation at one of Yards Park/Capitol Riverfront’s most popular restaurants Bammy’s . The activation featuring images from Young’s Unmask Fear Campaign are being presented in support of his upcoming NFT launch and in celebration of Bammy’s one year anniversary and their incredible fortitude to continue to serve the community with their hospitality throughout the pandemic.
Cover Story
Distribution Date: November 2020
In recognition of the launch of his Union Market Unmask Fear Activation, Robert Young’s “No Fear,” graces the cover of the of XCLUSIVE, the official monthly digital magazine of the District of Columbia Office of Cable Television Film Media & Entertainment.
The following year Robert Young would be featured again for is activation DC Is GoGo" Featuring the "Face of Washington DC."
Copyright © 2023 Robert Young/Raconteur Seven LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of any content on this website archive, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.
••••