By: Andrew Salazar
(View a slide show of photos taken at the lecture here)
Visiting artist Robert Pruitt displayed his work to a large crowd at the Visual Arts Complex on the CU Boulder campus this past Wednesday, discussing how his pieces aim to restructure the image of African-American identity.
Pruitt’s pieces have a distinct and consistent feel to them, and it is fairly easy to recognize one. His drawings are often done on a brown background, allowing him to color people more naturally, without having to force a dark color onto a white background. “I want to avoid using art material,” said Pruitt. “I try to find paper that fits the color of people.” In addition, there is also usually a slight surprise when viewing the colors and objects of his figures. People are dressed in bright colors and patterns, to a point where there is cosmic or supernatural theme. “I grew up reading comic books,” said Pruitt. “I pull from comics and sci-fi a lot. Often with this work, I try to reflect a cosmic, 'other' space."
His figures are often presented in surprising scenarios as well. In one particular piece, Pruitt presents an African woman harvesting electronics onto a bag on her back. In another, two black youths are dressed in robes adorned with the logo for the Russian space program. “I don’t want to contribute to the BET view of black images,” said Pruitt.
Pruitt has been involved with some protesting, and understands that his message may make him to appear an activist. However, he rejected this claim at his lecture. “[The work] looks leftist-radical, but I don’t identify with that,” said Pruitt. “If you really respect what activists do, this is not the work. I don’t sleep and breath the protest work like they do.”
I asked Pruitt how he felt his work functioned in a mostly white town like Boulder, as opposed to more racially diverse areas. “I’m mainly interested in creating elbowroom for black identity. But it’s too hard to try and picture how your work functions in different areas,” said Pruitt. “I just want to get the job done.”
For more information on artist Robert Pruitt and his work, visit www.robert-pruitt.com.
Contact Boulder4Free staff writer Andrew Salazar at: Andrew.Salazar@colorado.edu
Monday, November 29, 2010
Buffs' Club Hockey Prevails Against Northern Colorado
Conor Williams had a hat trick – the first since the 2008 season -- and the Buffs men’s club hockey team received two goals apiece from Scot Seale and Charlie Coleman as the Buffs routed Northern Colorado’s men’s club hockey team 10-3 on Friday night at the Colorado Recreation Center.
The game was never even close as the Buffs were able to create an almost insurmountable lead right out of the gate scoring in the first minute of the contest.
The Buffs then scored four goals in three minutes to start the second period and the rout was really on.
Buff’s goalie Kevin Litisnky was terrific, stopping 38 of the 41 shots on goal that he saw.
Defense in between the blue lines also played a huge role in the Buff’s route. The Buff’s defenders were aggressive all game delivering multiple checks and knocking Northern Colorado’s forward out of their alignment for much of the contest.
After going 0-10 on power plays in its previous game against Colorado State, Colorado scored only one goal off of power plays in this game going 1-6. Northern Colorado also added a power play goal going 1-7 on the evening.
The Buffs are now 6-4-1 on the season, while Northern Colorado dropped to 4-7 on the campaign. Colorado will look to continue their winning ways when they travel to Utah State for a game Thursday, November 18.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Gretchen Troop Band Review
By: Joe Kovack
Playing at the Blues/Greens restaurant, the Gretchen Troop Band brought its usual flare for sensual blues music Thursday night. A trained singer from New York City, Gretchen Troop moved to the Denver area in 2008. Since then, she has gained a following of blues enthusiasts that pack the house wherever she plays.
A regular for the Blues/Greens restaurant and music venue, Gretchen and her troop stormed the stage as the house music began to fade. Cheers from the crowd exemplified the love for this local blues band. As she began to sing, it was made clear why so many flocked to her shows. Singing with authority and passion, Troop’s vocals lead the charge while her band accompanied her with the proper grooves and rhythms that befit a true blues band.
Playing for nearly an hour before stopping for a set break, fans in the bar were screaming her name while hooting and hollering for more music. She politely smiled and assured that the band would be back after a brief intermission. Returning from the break, the band was renewed with energy, which showed as Troop bellowed her lyrics with the fervor of the great blues singers of our time. Mixing in a few classic cover songs, her set-list was mostly her own music, showing the crowd the she could write music as well as sing.
As the show ended, the couples on the dance floor clapped and cheered and the whole bar seemed to be one big extended family for the band. While there may not have been more than 100 people at the show, everyone there was a fan of the blues and Gretchen Troop. And it became clear why they call this restaurant, Boulder’s Home of the Blues.
Playing at the Blues/Greens restaurant, the Gretchen Troop Band brought its usual flare for sensual blues music Thursday night. A trained singer from New York City, Gretchen Troop moved to the Denver area in 2008. Since then, she has gained a following of blues enthusiasts that pack the house wherever she plays.
A regular for the Blues/Greens restaurant and music venue, Gretchen and her troop stormed the stage as the house music began to fade. Cheers from the crowd exemplified the love for this local blues band. As she began to sing, it was made clear why so many flocked to her shows. Singing with authority and passion, Troop’s vocals lead the charge while her band accompanied her with the proper grooves and rhythms that befit a true blues band.
Playing for nearly an hour before stopping for a set break, fans in the bar were screaming her name while hooting and hollering for more music. She politely smiled and assured that the band would be back after a brief intermission. Returning from the break, the band was renewed with energy, which showed as Troop bellowed her lyrics with the fervor of the great blues singers of our time. Mixing in a few classic cover songs, her set-list was mostly her own music, showing the crowd the she could write music as well as sing.
As the show ended, the couples on the dance floor clapped and cheered and the whole bar seemed to be one big extended family for the band. While there may not have been more than 100 people at the show, everyone there was a fan of the blues and Gretchen Troop. And it became clear why they call this restaurant, Boulder’s Home of the Blues.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Alpine Styles Art Show
by Gwen Cameron
Last Thursday, November 18, the American Alpine Club hosted opening of Alpine Styles, an exhibition entirely dedicated to climbing and mountaineering artwork. Featured artists were Jaime Givens, who also organized the event, Keith Svihovec, Emilie Lee, Mike Tea and Renan Ozturk. The show included work that has appeared in Climbing and Alpinist Magazines and Mountain Gazette, as well as personal projects shown to the public for the first time. While the event was free--including admission, food and drink--a two-dollar donation was suggested for beer and wine. The show will be up until January 31.
Last Thursday, November 18, the American Alpine Club hosted opening of Alpine Styles, an exhibition entirely dedicated to climbing and mountaineering artwork. Featured artists were Jaime Givens, who also organized the event, Keith Svihovec, Emilie Lee, Mike Tea and Renan Ozturk. The show included work that has appeared in Climbing and Alpinist Magazines and Mountain Gazette, as well as personal projects shown to the public for the first time. While the event was free--including admission, food and drink--a two-dollar donation was suggested for beer and wine. The show will be up until January 31.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Pearl Street Stampede
By Sara Morrey
The football season, and therefore the Pearl Street Stampede, is wrapping up for the year.
Friday, Nov. 19, the night before the Buffs’ last home game for 2010, the traditional pep rally will begin outside the Boulder County Courthouse (14th Street and Pearl Street) and end in the parking lot of the Daily Camera (11th Street and Pearl Street).
Partaking is free of charge. The CU football team, cheerleaders and Golden Buffalo Marching Band will all be present.
The tradition starts, for the last time this year, at 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19, the night before the Buffs’ last home game for 2010, the traditional pep rally will begin outside the Boulder County Courthouse (14th Street and Pearl Street) and end in the parking lot of the Daily Camera (11th Street and Pearl Street).
Partaking is free of charge. The CU football team, cheerleaders and Golden Buffalo Marching Band will all be present.
The tradition starts, for the last time this year, at 7 p.m.
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