Art Talk with Paul Rucker


By Adam Kampe
paul_rucker_explains_wood_carvings_during_art_studio_tour
Paul Rucker explains part of his "Soundless Series" during one of his studio art talks at Creative Alliance. Photo by Adam Kampe 
Paul Rucker has never taken a cello lesson in his life, and yet he can improvise on the instrument all day long. But that's just one part of his multidisciplinary story. He is also recognized as an original visual artist with something powerful to say. In this post, we focus our attention on Rucker's show, REWIND, which debuted this spring at Creative Alliance in Baltimore where he's been an artist-in-residence. (He's also a resident at MICA's Center for Race and Culture.) Though REWIND closed on March 7, it's still incredibly (and tragically) current. Through a provocative presentation of pieces that includes an animated video installation of prison growth over time, mannequins wearing vibrantly colored KKK robes, and a disturbing collection of child slave graves—Rucker shines a light on the complicated history of racism, lynching, and police brutality. Press play to hear him explain why he does what he does and why art matters.