After five decades of painting and teaching, Bruce Price is finally receiving the comprehensive career retrospective he has long deserved with "Harmonious Dissonance," a major exhibition that raises important questions about his place in Colorado's art history. The show highlights Price's distinctive approach to mixed media, including works like "Valley/Mound" from 2009, which combines acrylic paint with gingham-patterned fabric to create striking visual contrasts.
Price has been a prominent figure in Colorado's regional art landscape for decades, building his reputation through both his artistic practice and his educational contributions. He taught for several years at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where he influenced a generation of local artists who continue to regard him as a significant mentor and creative force. His impact on the Colorado art scene extends far beyond his own studio practice, as many established local artists credit him with shaping their artistic development.
Despite his long-standing presence and influence in the Colorado art community, it remains somewhat puzzling why Price has not received this level of recognition sooner. His work has consistently demonstrated innovation and technical skill, particularly in his exploration of mixed media techniques that blend traditional painting with unconventional materials. The gingham fabric incorporated into "Valley/Mound" exemplifies his willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventional approaches to painting.
The "Harmonious Dissonance" retrospective serves as both a celebration of Price's artistic achievements and a long-overdue acknowledgment of his contributions to Colorado's cultural landscape. As viewers encounter five decades worth of his artistic evolution, the exhibition invites serious consideration of whether Price might indeed be Colorado's most important living painter, a question that the art community is now actively debating.
