Skip to main content

The Story Behind Roberto Zavala President’s Art Show: Student Center Soul


Student Center Soul painting by Roberto Zavala
Student Center Soul painting by Roberto Zavala

Roberto Zavala’s painting, “The Student Center Soul” (SC Soul) is a surrealistic painting that not only embodies the architectural structure of the Student Center at Taylorsville Campus but captures the soul of the space. The painting depicts the soul and essence of the second floor, a space for students to socialize and study. 

 

Roberto, who works as an Interior Designer at SLCC, was first inspired to do the painting in one of his many visits to the Student Center along with his colleague, Caleb Prusso. “Caleb and I were walking upstairs one day, and once we got to the top of the stairs, I remember enjoying what I saw, and that is when the idea of painting the student center sparked in me,” recalls Roberto.

 

SC Soul was the very first painting to be sold at the 2022 President’s Art Show, and it will be housed in the building which inspired the image. “I did not have any plans for this painting other than submitting it to the President’s Art Show and hoping it would get picked. But, once I got word that it was the first one sold, I was shocked, amazed and honored,” says Roberto.


Roberto Zavala and President Deneece Huftalin next to the Student Center Soul Painting
Roberto Zavala and President Deneece Huftalin next to the Student Center Soul Painting


Roberto developed a love for art and architecture in his native Honduras, where he obtained his architectural degree. “I was coming with a rhythm of designing buildings from Honduras, and I had the need to continue creating creative things,” says Roberto.

 

Roberto’s aim to deconstruct the student center and recreate it with a surrealistic perspective using four principles: balance, scale, rhythm and proportion. “With those four principles, I can develop whatever I want. My architectural expression, ideas and perspectives with any colors I want. These were the foundations I take with any of my paintings.” 



Roberto Zavala and President Deneece Huftalin discussing the Student Center Soul Painting
Roberto Zavala and President Deneece Huftalin discussing the Student Center Soul Painting


The SC Soul painting invites students into an alternative magical, vibrant world where light and color harmonize along with balance in an enchanted melodious way. Roberto says, “When I paint, I try to deconstruct the scene. In this case, if you look at the Student Center, you will find a lot of symmetry and colors.” The colorful and bold art encompasses and captivates the energy of every person who has walked those floors, leaving a beautiful memory that now is part of the soul of the Student Center.

Comments

  1. In one of his final actions as VP for student affairs, Chuck Lepper purchased "SC Soul" and several other artworks from President's Art Show for the college so this and other works are now part of SLCC's permanent art collection and will be displayed in the Student Center once renovations are completed there. Thanks to Roberto for a wonderful painting and thanks to Chuck for giving it a home here at the college!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange.  The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education:  HB 261  Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB  257  Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available.  We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resources designed to support y