Untold close family histories are the basis for much of painter Ronnie Robinson’s art. Working from  family photos, both his and others, Robinson aims to give life, space, and a voice to those family  members that we all have ⎯ those that we never truly knew and only saw through photos at family  gatherings. People who exist to us mostly through pictures and perhaps a half-forgotten childhood  memory: more dream than reality. In Prometheus, Robinson depicts a Black running back holding a  football in a style inspired by a 1960s era football card. The U.S. football player, who is not named, is  a bit old for a running back, but still possesses the strength, size power and will of a professional  football player. Notwithstanding this fact, the subject appears somewhat tired, unable to pose with  vigor, as if both age and racism have taken a toll on his body and mind. Prometheus was, of course,  a Greek God who stole fire, gave it to human beings, and received severe bodily punishment from Zeus for doing so. In a way, this gladiator has received punishment to his body and mind for giving  “fire” and “excitement” to humans earlier in his career. It’s both a stunningly beautiful and poignant  work.