Rafuse Posters in Underground Gallery
News Date: 2004/04/14 00:00:00 US/East-Indiana
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Information on Will Rafuse:
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Will spent many years living on the Prairies. He received a diploma in Graphic Arts and Illustration from Capilano College in Vancouver, then went on to receive his diploma in Computer Graphics and Multimedia at Vancouver Community College.
Intrigued by the works of Gauguin, Modigliani, and Balthus, Rafuse works mostly in oils and is known for his bright colors and the slightly animated twist of the subjects he paints. Rafuse's art appears in the collections of corporations and individuals around the world.
It was only in 1994 when Will decided to pursue his interest in painting. Will began his professional painting career in Stanley Park's Painter's Corner, not knowing that his colorful characters will soon become a permanent fixture in the Vancouver art scene and in both private and corporate collections worldwide. His art has a universal appeal to those who are looking to add a light hearted, witty image to their environment. His work ranges from loveable animals to animated characters to delectable pastries and cocktails, but his trademark style remains unmistakable.
Soon after completing his education, the Robson Street Business Association selected Will to design the banners that adorned Robson Street from May to October of 1996. After he signed a partnership with Canadian Art Posters in 1997, his artwork has been available in the open edition poster market. Since then, his collection of vibrant imagery has gained popularity worldwide, quickly making him one of CAP's top selling artists. Will's images have also been licensed for a variety of products including coasters, dish ware, textiles, decorative clocks, among others, and have remained in high demand in the licensing industry.
Will has contributed his artwork to many non-profit organizations such as The Shooting Star Foundation, Loving Spoonful, and Canuck Place Hospice in Vancouver. Other donations have been to help raise funds for American Express' "Taste of the Nation," which fights hunger in the community, the Ronald McDonald House, as well as several others. In 2003 Will was nominated and has become a member of the "International Who's Who Historical Society."
Brandon loads a cart to carry posters across campus.
UNDERGROUND GALLERY
A new collection 19 Will Rafuse posters has recently been put on display in the Underground Gallery. As the prints were being hung, many passersby stopped to comment on the posters. Some said they looked forward to seeing what the next theme would be. Others commented that the artwork they see in the morning on the way to work brightens their entire day. As the artwork in the Underground Gallery affects so many people, being a part of the project is very fulfilling.
Natasha inserts a Rafuse print into an awaiting frame.
Recently, the Gallery housed a collection of Maurice Sendak’s illustrations, most notably his work for children’s books. On Tuesday, April 13, the collection was switched to the more vibrant oil paintings of Canadian artist Will Rafuse. Student employees Natasha Bilka, Brandon O’Brien, and Jesse Janowiak spent the morning removing the Sendaks and putting up the Rafuses. Working together, the operation took less than ninety minutes. The Rafuses were transported to the Union from the MSEE building. The permanent frames were then opened, and the Sendak illustrations were taken out. The matted Rafuse prints were set in between the layers of Plexiglas and foam core, and the frames were then closed. The large, bold paintings bring a light-hearted mood to the Underground Gallery.
Jesse reassembles a frame.
The University Visual Arts Poster Lending Collection is a pet project of the Engineering Computer Network’s Training and Documentation Specialist, Marian Delp. Marian’s employees hang artwork throughout the halls of many of Purdue’s buildings. Brightening the dark tunnels of the Union is a fun task for student employees. The Underground Gallery is housed in the tunnel leading from the Union to the parking garage across the street. The nineteen posters are rotated out approximately once a semester.