SR artist displays abstracts at BC3
BUTLER TWP — A Slippery Rock-based artist will display his abstract work at Butler County Community College in an exhibition which opens Wednesday and will run through May 5 at the college’s Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery.
Bill Brunken, 43, said the collection is largely influenced by his late father, Glen Brunken, a longtime Slippery Rock University professor who died in 2013.
“I’m working on an inventory of his work, and so a lot of the inspiration comes from him, I’m taking photographs of his work, and I’m going back to my studio and just sort of thinking about what life is, and how long or short life can be,” Brunken said.
Bill Brunken’s paintings often swirl a contrast of colors, shapes and textures. He takes into account depth, movement and rhythm.
But the meaning to others behind his work is fluid — seeing the work in a whole different way is encouraged.
“As an artist, I am interested in exploring the genius of the unconscious,” he said. “It’s not just being open to interpretation, but welcoming interpretation and sort of encouraging interpretation, and wanting people to think about these things. It’s really just sort of wanting to think about these things myself.”
Brunken’s father was known by some in the BC3 community, and they are looking forward to the work his son will display at the college next month.
“I’m happy to have it at the gallery,” said Larry Stock, cultural center director at BC3.
Brunken is a Slippery Rock University and Stephen F. Austin State University graduate with more than 20 years of experience as a painter.
Most recently, he’s been self-employed, but he also has worked at the Concept Art Gallery and the Andy Warhol Museum, both in Pittsburgh.
“I think it’s really going to be a neat show, and it’s sort of a journey through the last couple of years for me,” Brunken said. “I think that’s going to show up in the work.”
A reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery, located in the college’s Science, Technology and Cultural Center.
