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.

Labels

Labels:

Comments

  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!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Recognizing SLCC's 2025 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Andrew Vogt, PhD Associate Professor, Engineering

The Distinguished Faculty Lecturer is a recognition of quality work by one of Salt Lake Community College’s full-time faculty and a charge to develop that work over an academic year into a public presentation. A committee chosen by the Associate Provost for Learning Advancement selects the faculty lecturer each year. The lecture takes place in the spring. Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Andrew Vogt, PhD Associate Professor, Engineering Dr. Andrew Vogt’s teaching philosophy is guided by two principles, curiosity and efficiency.  “Curiosity leads us to study a topic and allows us to really understand the ins and outs of research, while efficiency is all about sustainability,” he says. Andrew describes curiosity as a pure, open-minded impulse to explore, such as the ease with which children learn new concepts with virtually no instruction. Efficiency adds maturity to that childlike impulse, creating structures and pathways for accomplishment.  Andrew’s work has alwa...
Post a Comment
Read more

SLCC Alumnus and U.S. Diplomat to Speak at 2025 Commencement

Salt Lake Community College’s 2025 Commencement speaker Branigan Knowlton will share his perspectives drawn from a 12-year career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. In serving his country, Knowlton has honed his foreign relations and diplomacy skills in Hong Kong, Mexico, Colombia and Italy. Knowlton is also a proud Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) alumnus (2002).     Knowlton currently serves at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Before reporting to the embassy, he was detailed to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport as part of the Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship program. In Bogotá, Knowlton worked for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and in Hermosillo, Mexico, he worked for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. His first assignment abroad was in Hong Kong, where he worked for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.     "I've actively sought opportunities that push me into the unfamiliar, even when ...
Post a Comment
Read more