It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Trap Bob!
Tenbeete Solomon, a.k.a. artist Trap Bob, has painted three tables in the Takoma Streetery outdoor dining area with her “Girl” characters, bold Black female superheroes who each have their own superpowers. Solomon painted the tables three years ago with different designs that faded over time so the City’s Arts and Humanities Division hired her to repaint the tables with new superheroes.
“We’re very excited to have Trap Bob back in town to revive these tables with her unique and colorful style,” the City’s Arts and Humanities Coordinator Brendan Smith said. “The tables have been very popular so we wanted to extend their artistic life while providing more outdoor seating in downtown Takoma Park.”
The tables are located outside Takoma Bev at 6917 Laurel Avenue. Solomon lives in D.C., and she shared some thoughts about this project and her own artistic journey.
What’s it like being back in Takoma Park three years after you first painted these tables?
It feels great to be back painting here and talking to people who have told me how much they enjoy the tables and are happy to see them being restored. I love that public art is so supported and celebrated in Takoma Park, and you can really feel it in the energy of the community.
What was the inspiration for your artist name Trap Bob?
It was a mix of a childhood nickname and being a super fan of trap music pioneer Gucci Mane! I also love how the name throws people off and forces them to let go of their expectations.
How did you develop these Black female superheroes and what do they represent for you?
I created my “Girl” characters as an outlet to express the emotions of both myself and my community. They are all one person and every person. For me, they represent hope and determination. The biggest theme behind my work is that “art will save the world.” When my “Girls” show up as superheroes, they are fighting for what’s right and just, and they serve as reminders that we are all superheroes in our everyday lives through our work and our choices.
Did you grow up reading comic books or watching superhero films?
I grew up very influenced by anime, cartoons, and video games so I’ve definitely leaned into character design as it has been my favorite way to communicate my message. Without realizing it, my “Girls” were born from me aiming to relate to my audience and bring people together in a digestible and approachable way.
What’s your background as an artist?
I got interested in art around the time I was graduating from college and studying business and marketing. I was stressed about my future and finding my passion so I started drawing to relieve stress as it was something I always enjoyed but never took seriously. I fell in love with art and completely committed myself to being a self-taught artist.
I started with painting and moved into illustration and digital art, and more recently murals and public art. Freelancing became a classroom for me and I explored different mediums through various clients and projects. I have worked with so many amazing individuals and organizations in the D.C. area and have expanded to nationwide projects and campaigns.
