Photographs by Patricia Kavanaugh
Paintings and Prints by Bob Rob (Medina)
Gelato Vero Exhibit
October 1-31 2003
Bob Medina and Patricia Kavanaugh met in Boulder, Colorado in 1993, where they were both studying art at CU Boulder. In 1995, they went their separate ways: Bob to Atlanta to teach art to elementary schoolers, and Patricia to San Francisco, to continue her education in film at the SF Art Institute. Toros is a display of the work that the two have been working on upon their arrival in San Diego. New surroundings and a new set of faces have had a strong influence on both artists, as well as providing a source of creative energy.
Patricia Kavanaugh - Bullfight - fiber print
Bob Rob (Medina) - The Welcome Song - mixed media
.This show features Bob Rob's paintings, linoleum, and woodblock prints. This body of work represents his point of view of the underlying relationship between the matador and bull. He explores the psychology of the unspoken communication and understanding between the two. Bob has been honing his printmaking and painting skills for years but using bullfighting as inspiration is partly due to his Mexican heritage, but also due to his proximity and frequent excursions to the bullfights in Mexico.
Bob Rob (Medina) - I'm Alot Like You - painting
Patricia's photographs document her first trip to Tijuana since living in San Diego, and also her first trip to a bullfight. The photos are a sampling of the atmosphere surrounding the Sunday afternoon bullfights; a man selling cigars, one of the horses waiting quietly before he is summoned into the ring, the Mariachi band providing the soundtrack to the fight, and of course some scenes between Bull and Matador.
Patricia Kavanaugh - Waiting Horse - fiber print
Bob Rob (Medina) - Patient & Waiting - woodblock print
Being a devout animal lover, it was initially very difficult for Patricia to watch the bulls die. But the ritualistic and repetitive nature of the fights desensitize the viewer after the initial shock wears off. It is at this point that Patricia was able to step back from her own personal views and allow herself to truly appreciate the cultural significance of a bullfight within the Mexican culture. Patricia documents the event in appreciation of the surrounding potpourri of families, vendors, music and animals.
Additional images from the exhibit
click on any image below to start slide show
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