The Planet Welcomed Me: A Commemoration of Robert Derbouka’s Art

MAR 21 >> JUN 1, 2025

We are delighted to present The Planet Welcomed Me: A Commemoration of Robert Derbouka’s Art. This selection of paintings and sculptures, including some of his final pieces, celebrate the life and work of local artist Robert, or “Bob,” Derbouka (b. 1947 – d. 2024). A self-taught artist, Derbouka’s work can be described as folk art or salvage art, though his paintings, mixed media canvases, sculptures of carved wood, and outdoor installations of welded metal or vines and rocks actively defy categorization. He loved to get his hands dirty.

In Robert Derbouka’s obituary he wrote, “The planet welcomed me with many voices and languages, its elements caressed and nurtured me. As a child, my mother would sometimes sit me in the corner of a wild strawberry patch while she picked. One year, she jarred 32 pints.” His works express joy and ambition for a life off the beaten path. He was drawn to themes of the connectivity among living beings: can you spot the carved ants crawling up the legs on the sculpture Human Race? Many of these works pose questions about nature and the universe. His garage studio was full of tools, books, writing, and lines of Confucian poetry. He was an artist driven to create and examine the human condition.

A welding foreman for Bombardier for three decades, Robert and his wife, Donna Phoenix, built a life on the edge of town filled with art, ideas, and an earth-sheltered house in Neebing. In 2007-2008, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery presented Derbouka’s first solo exhibition, EX-Centrix, a milestone for the artist. The gallery is grateful to Donna Phoenix for working with us to present this commemorative exhibition.

Images courtesy of Donna Phoenix.

Public Reception for The Planet Welcome Me: A Commemorative Exhibition of Works by Robert Derbouka

Thursday 1, May

6:30 to 8:30 pm

Join us for a public reception for The Planet Welcome Me: A Commemorative Exhibition of Works by Robert Derbouka (1947 – 2024). In the foyer, a selection of paintings and sculptures celebrate the life and work of the local, self-taught artist, including some of his final pieces. Friends and family in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

Art Walk and Sculpture Tour with Donna Phoenix and friends of Robert Derbouka

Saturday 3, May

2:00 to 4:00 pm

Location: Neebing, ON (about 20 minutes outside Thunder Bay). The address will be provided.

Join us for an art walk and tour of outdoor sculptures by Robert Derbouka (2024). Robert loved to welcome people to experience the outdoor sculptures and installations at his rural residence in Neebing, ON. Led by his wife and creative partner, Donna Pheonix, this tour includes multiple large-scale outdoor sculptures, installations, and an exterior view of the turf-roof home he and Donna built together. RSVP is required. Please note that this is an outdoor tour with limited accessibility. The address will be provided to everyone who has confirmed for the event. Attendees must provide their own transportation.