COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 22, 2022) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is pleased to present a focused presentation of Floyd D. Tunson’s monumental mixed-media installation “Hearts and Minds” from his Endangered series in dialogue with a collaborative multi-media project by the same name “Endangered,” on view May. 6–July 9, 2022.
Completed in 1995 and acquired by the Fine Arts Center in 2020, Tunson’s “Hearts and Minds” addresses the ongoing impact of gun violence on youth of color. In Colorado, Black men ages 18–24 are more than 12 times more likely than white men the same age to be killed in a gun homicide (“The State of Gun Violence”). The work asks us to consider the systems and structures that perpetuate these cycles of violence and the tragic loss that results.
“Endangered,” the multi-disciplinary performance-based project presented alongside “Hearts and Minds” in the exhibition is a poetic and musical response to the artwork in Floyd D. Tunson’s series addressing the endangered status of Black men. Featuring the music of artist Tomás Doncker, the lyrics of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, and the videography of William Murray, “Endangered” will run in video form in the galleries through the duration of the exhibition with live performances scheduled for June 16 and 17, 2022 at the Fine Arts Center.
As part of this presentation, the Fine Arts Center has plans to partner with young people from the Colorado Springs community, along with Colorado College students, to share their voices and creative work in response to the issues raised by works in the exhibition.
“This project demonstrates the ongoing impact Tunson, one of our region’s most celebrated artists and educators, continues to have on the cultural landscape in the Pikes Peak region and beyond. It has been a privilege to partner with Floyd, the individuals behind “Endangered,” and the many students, educators, and artists contributing to the project with their own creative responses. We look forward to welcoming our community in to experience this important project and to serve as a space for meaningful dialogue.” said Michael Christiano, FA director of visual arts & museum.
About Floyd Tunson
One of the most highly regarded and influential artists in the state, Tunson has worked and taught in the region for over five decades. Born in 1947, Floyd D. Tunson studied through the years at the University of Colorado, Parson’s School of Design, University of Denver, and Adams State College (now Adams State University), where he earned an MA Degree. In 1974, long before diversity and inclusion were stated missions of museums, he exhibited a solo show at the Fine Arts Center. Since then, he’s shown extensively throughout the Rocky Mountain region. With a 40-year retrospective, “Son of Pop,” at the Fine Arts Center in 2012-2013 and a solo show, “Janus,” to celebrate the opening of the Marie Walsh Sharpe Gallery at the University of Colorado’s Ent Center for the Arts in 2018. Tunson is represented by Michael Warren Contemporary, Denver.
The exhibition is curated by Michael Christiano, FAC director of visual arts & museum and supported in part by funding from Colorado College’s Cultural Attractions Fund, the Holaday Interactive Art Fund, CALM Foundation, Walston Group Real Estate, Inc., and the Bee Vradenburg Foundation.
Source: “The State of Gun Violence in Colorado” Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (Accessed 22 December 2021)
Associated Events
Special Event – “Endangered” Live Performances
Friday, June 17 – Saturday, June 18 2022 (updated)
Art, music, film, poetry come together in celebration of Juneteenth weekend.
Inspired by the Afro-Futuristic and politically charged artworks of Colorado’s own Floyd D. Tunson and powered by lyrics from Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, Tomás Doncker and The True Groove All-Stars chart a sonic journey to freedom, a modern day revolution of the mind.
Endangered premieres at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center on June 17, as an intimate site-specific performance in the Floyd D. Tunson: Hearts and Minds exhibition.
On June 18 Endangered moves to Armstrong Hall for a full concert presentation.
PLUS: June 15 from 4-6 p.m. at Ladyfingers at the FAC – Meet Endangered artists Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars for a pre-performance record listening party. Vinyl records and posters available for sale with artists available for autographs.
Tickets for “Endangered” live performances available online at devfac.coloradocollege.edu.
General Admission: $15-$20
FREE for all students and teachers (w/ID)
PLUS, don’t miss –
Floyd D. Tunson: Ascent | A survey exhibition across multiple venues
Two major arts centers in the Denver metro area, the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities and Redline Contemporary Art Center, will simultaneously present a major survey exhibition featuring works from the past five decades by Floyd D. Tunson. Collaboratively curated by Wylene Carol, Daisy McGowan and Collin Parson.
Arvada Center: June 9–August 28, 2022
RedLine Contemporary Art Center: June 10–July 31, 2022
VISIT THE FAC MUSEUM
Museum free days are offered the second Saturday and third Friday of each month.
The Ladyfingers Shop is open during regular museum hours with handmade, locally sourced and inclusive goods paired with a selection of items designed to expand and enrich your FAC experience.
PLEASE NOTE: Exposure to COVID-19 is possible in public places. The FAC and Colorado College continue to closely monitor developments in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and plan for impacts that may affect FAC and campus operations. More information available on the Colorado College website. For the latest information on COVID guidelines and requirements, visit the FAC website.
ABOUT THE FINE ARTS CENTER MUSEUM
The FAC Museum’s permanent collection of approx. 20,000 objects showcases the rich history and vibrant contemporary cultures of the Southwest and the Americas, containing works of art from Native America, Hispanic and Spanish Colonial New Mexico, and 20th and 21st-century America.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) began with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy 1919. A museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school, the FAC is a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West providing innovative, educational, and multi-disciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality. The FAC and Colorado College recognize and honor the original inhabitants of the land on which it resides. For more information about the FAC, visit devfac.coloradocollege.edu or follow on Facebook @CSFineArtsCenter.