Iconography, historical past and a twenty first century vibe seamlessly mix in “Creativity In Color” that includes work by Rhonel Roberts. The primary in a sequence of exhibitions showcasing modern artists on the Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Heart, co-presented by 111 Minna Gallery, opened with a well-attended splash on Feb. 12.
Calling the occasion a “wonderful celebration” of his work, Roberts, in a current telephone interview, mentioned, “It was awesome to be in this remarkable, historic venue, to be the first artist represented by 111 Minna, for it to be during Black History Month. The crowd was vibrant, with people I knew and didn’t know.”
Roberts’ influences vary from French Impressionism to LeRoy Neiman to classic Artwork Deco posters to Black American people artwork. His topics and kinds embrace well-known Bay Space places and structure, iconic jazz musicians, landscapes and avenue scenes, portraiture and compelling “BoutCotton” and African American collections.
Describing his work, Roberts, who grew up in and round Stockton and labored for Lockheed Martin and in different tech jobs earlier than establishing a design and high quality artwork studio, says, “Color is the bridge I use to encounter, engage and interact with my audience.”
Rhonel Roberts’ work of San Francisco are on view in “Creativity In Color” on the Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Heart in San Francisco from February by means of Might. (Courtesy Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Heart by way of Bay Metropolis Information)
He provides, “I use color in all my work to unearth or expose who we really are and to accept who we are. We are then less ambivalent about the differences between us. If color is the essence of what I bring to a room, what is my passion? I’m confident as a creative person with a God-given gift that I bring a celebration and love expressed through painting, music, interior design, fashion and other things. Artists can be compartmentalized. I open the door in so many ways to exercise and share my gift.”
“Creativity In Color” consists of items celebrating iconic Bay Space pictures. Roberts, a 35-year San Francisco resident, says, “I’ve got the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Painted Ladies, the Presidio Theatre, Sutro Tower, a cable car, and an added neighborhood one of the Marina Green ….where the Yacht Club is, and a lot of boats are berthed.”
There are also massive scale work of Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Vacation, Thelonious Monk and Hugh Masekela.
The Masekela picture, which was used for the 2011 Fillmore Jazz Pageant poster, maybe summarizes the varied influences and power on this present that launches the Minna Gallery-Presidio Theatre sequence. As a teen and music lover, Roberts was enraptured after seeing the South African trumpeter enjoying reside. The portrait explodes with shade.
“It’s like a clarion call to come together, saying, “Hey, I’m here.’ I stepped out of my comfort zone with this painting, and it released me to use color more vividly. It’s saying, ‘Stop the craziness and confusion and get on the radar to celebrate beauty.’”
Roberts, whose exhibition is within the foyer and decrease stage of the Presidio Theatre, says he was not conscious of its rebirth as a performing arts heart till listening to about it from an individual who labored on the Presidio. Accomplished in 2019, the two-year, $40 million venture was underwritten by Peggy Haas. Initially a movie show, the 1939 Spanish Colonial Revival-design constructing within the coronary heart of the nationwide park, vacant since 1995, was reworked right into a 600-seat, state-of-the-art theater providing reside performances, movies, lectures, instructional programming, artwork exhibitions and particular occasions with the objective of reaching a broad viewers.
Related dual-purpose emphasis and an extended historical past within the Bay Space exemplify 111 Minna’s curiosity in collaborating with the theater. For greater than 30 years, the lately renovated gallery and occasion house has hosted exhibitions, reside music, seminars, product launches, board conferences, marriage ceremony receptions, company gatherings and extra. Its inviting paintings and complicated, relaxed ambiance draw each newcomers and other people with shared pursuits.
“Creativity In Color” is on view by means of Might 2025 and accessible with ticketed entry on efficiency days on the Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Heart, 99 Moraga Ave., Presidio of San Francisco; go to presidiotheatre.org.
