Page 21 - Mar2019

THE INTERFUSION OF
AND
TECHNOLOGY
Coding in Color: The emerging trend among African Americans blending expertise in technology with love of art. BY ATIBA ROGERS
l On a blank canvas, communicat- ing through a tempo of his liking, per- formance artist Patrick Hunter, known professionally as Patcasso, synesthetical- ly marries arts and technology.
He calls it the choreography of paint to music, where the music dictates how a painting comes to life. He combines the art forms of painting and music, choreography and science to plant every brush stroke like an engineer while still leaving just enough room to improvise as an artist.
Patcasso is living in his everyday passion through the intersection of art and technology.
The Detroit native holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Michigan but focused primarily on art throughout elementary and high school. Initially, he chose a ca- reer in engineering because he wanted to get a job and make money.
“But as my career went on, the sense of purpose started to become louder and it was really my mom that kind of encouraged that,” Patcasso said.
It was a conversation with his mother that led him back to his passion.
“She reminded me that not only was my gift to be used for other people, be-
Patrick Hunter poses with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron after speed-painting his likeness
cause it is not mine it is theirs, but she also reminded me that I have a purpose to fulfill and two years later she passed away,” he said.
Every human is destined for great- ness and it is every person’s prerogative to discover exactly what their personal legend is. Some may spend time out of their lives pursuing Plan B, when Plan
A is what they’ve desired the longest. It’s okay to put your hopes and dreams on the backburner for just a moment, but never forget to revisit plan A and pick up where you left off. How will you know if you can fly if you never try?
Patcasso, a play on his first name Patrick and world-renowned Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, didn’t go down the path of art to be recognized. He feels a sense of obligation to do what he wants to do and what he was put on this earth to do.
“As I’ve gone through this journey people have really helped to confirm and affirm that this is now important work for me to be doing,” he said.
Arts and science components are interrelated and Patcasso understands the importance of bringing them to- gether by creating the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) Revolt program in part- nership with the Congressional Black Caucus foundation.
The afterschool program will be pilot- ing in a few cities in 2019 before going nationwide and will work with students while helping them in a project-based environment.
Students will be provided with
HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW MAGAZINE PAGE 21