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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.

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  1. James WaltonDecember 9, 2022 at 11:11 AM

    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!

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