This is the most excited I’ve been about a Superbowl since mastering the choreography to the Bears’ Superbowl Shuffle back around 1986. (Hey, I didn’t have much else going on in my life that Winter.) This time around it’s all about Madonna. I could not care less about the game. That said, go Patriotics!!! Go Greg Brady!!! And above all, Go Madonna!!!
This is supposedly the ad for David Beckham’s new H&M Bodywear line that’s set to air during the Superbowl, which, along with Madonna, may make this sporting event the gayest one that has ever existed. I mean, David Beckham in his underwear AND Madonna at the half-time show? Where’s a boy supposed to look first?
Every once in a while the Romaine Brooks Gallery gets to host an amazing artist who is also a friend. This Friday I’ll have the joy and honor of being there for the latest solo exhibition of Kevin Bruce, who is one of Albany’s finest – on just about every level. Not only does Kevin create wonderful paintings, he’s also one of the most genuinely kind and good-hearted people I have the privilege of calling a friend.
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Artist Profile: Kevin Bruce
If you don’t know artist Kevin Bruce (though chances are you do), you certainly know his laugh: big, bright, and barreling over every space he graces. It’s gloriously infectious, this laugh, and it instantly sets those around him at ease. It is the sound of joy and celebration. No matter how many great things he accomplishes in his life, and no matter how much gorgeous artwork he leaves behind, it may be his laugh for which I am most thankful.
That sort of spirit imbues his latest solo exhibition at the Romaine Brooks Gallery, “Thoughts”. “For me it’s all about color,” Bruce explains. “Different combinations of colors and how they work next to or on top of each other to create moods and shapes really gets me going.”
To call him colorful is an understatement, and those who have encountered his alter-ego Whiskey Sour can confirm that Bruce is an unforgettable character – a bit of a jester and a bit of a Harlequin himself. The latter archetype finds its way into his current show, both as the watched and the watcher – a symbolic representation that mirrors the role of art and artist.
“All of my artwork says something about my life, but this show in particular is all about how important the arts are in my life and, I hope, in the life of others.”
The Harlequin plays several roles in this show – he is there to entertain, to cajole, to interpret, and to wreak mischief. Bruce also relies on symbolism, giving his pieces multi-levels of meaning. “In this show I am using symbols to communicate how I feel about life as an artist,” he says. “Some of the pictures have balls in them, for example, the balls represent playfulness.”
Inspiration is to be found in the more playful arts as well, and Bruce has been inspired by a patchwork of interesting characters and scenarios: “Theater. Drag Queens, Go-go boys, Halloween themes and now Harlequins. I probably should have gotten involved in sets and stage production for a living. Creating my work involves acting, costume design and lighting concerns. All on a 2-d surface.”
The work involved is important to Bruce not only for personal creative fulfillment, but for those who take the time and make the effort to view his creations. For him, an audience plays an integral part in his artwork.
“I feel that it’s important to communicate. The viewer should be able to take something away from the show. A feeling. Maybe an idea or a mood. I’ve never understood artists who don’t care about the people viewing their art. Art snobs hurt the whole experience.”
I’ve been told by some that Kevin has a dark side. We all do, though I’ve never come close to seeing Kevin’s. He’s gone quiet on occasion, and when the laugh is not in full evidence there’s a definite change in the atmosphere, but any serious difference in personality, any telling tribulations or pain, must be harbored deep within, saved for the privacy of locked doors and empty rooms. He offers but one tantalizingly-telling sound-bite on the topic: “My art exists to take away the pain I and others feel.”
It also exists to help others, and over the years he has given back to the people and places he has considered home. As a beloved fixture of Albany’s arts community, Bruce enjoys a well-earned notoriety. “I’m lucky, very lucky, to have a little fame locally. I have been featured in a book about Capital Region Artists. I have been in a film documentary. I like that people recognize my work when they see it. I would say that I am most proud of all the money my art has raised for Art for AIDS Sake over the years.”
It’s always uplifting to see an artist use their artwork and their platform to accomplish work as a citizen of the local community. As such, Bruce has said this show will also be a benefit for Our Brother’s Keeper Foundation. “I hope that that will further underline the role I play as an artist locally.”
Kevin Bruce will be presenting his solo exhibition, “Thoughts”, at the Romaine Brooks Gallery on Friday, February 3, 2012 from 5 to 9 PM as part of Albany’s 1st Friday Events. The Romaine Brooks Gallery is located on the third floor of the Capital Region Pride Center at 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany, NY 12210.
