March 30, 2015
Natalie Bluhm
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A giant boulder is taking up residence in GOCA for the next two months.
The collaborative efforts of Grant Hottle and Paula Rebsom are displayed in “TILT Export: Aftermath” at GOCA 121 through May 16.
Hottle is an abstract artist that plays around with space and bold colors in his pieces, complementing the wild, natural voice that Rebsom’s sculptures carry.
In “TILT Export: Aftermath,” Daisy McConnell, GOCA director, said these artists are reflecting on the recent natural disasters in Colorado Springs.
Sculptures of barren trees are dotted throughout the gallery and are a solemn reminder of the past wildfires experienced in the city.
In the entrance of the gallery is “At Rest,” a piece with a giant boulder sitting in the middle of the room crowned with an upside-down chair.
Curtis Medina, junior economics major, enjoyed the message behind “At Rest.”
“Sometimes it feels like life can be upside down and it’s nice being able to visualize these awkward feelings that everybody has,” he said.
Another piece, “Ignore” consists of a white chair with paper mache rocks piled behind it.
“I feel like that in my life too where you’re procrastinating maybe on a project or something and it’s building up and you’re thinking, ‘I just have to deal with it already,’” said McConnell.
“The metaphor there is really fun.”
A well-known feature called “After Effect,” is an array of boulders clinging on to a tilted mantle decorated with an abstract painting.
This is the piece that started the collaborative art making between Hottle and Rebsom. The two artists met when they were both getting their master’s at the University of Portland.
Individually, the pieces interest the eye but together they create a thought provoking environment.
“What I most like about this is the surrealistic aspect of the actual exhibit and it sort of gives you something to think about that makes the exhibit seem more out of the ordinary,” Medina said.
“I kind of like being immersed in a space that gives you a different feeling from everyday life.”
McConnell said “TILT Export: Aftermath” can provide a new cultural experience that students might otherwise miss out on.
“When a student is developing, I don’t think they necessarily have to be an art student to benefit from looking at art,” said McConnell.
Medina pointed out that the exhibits at the gallery are a great avenue for discussions.
“It provides an opportunity for a lot more culture … and provides a space to mingle and socialize in a less party-type environment.”