Broc Evitch’s “Self Portrait” captures a moment of intensity and focus, highlighting the physical and emotional demands of powerlifting in his BFA thesis exhibit at the Lied Art Gallery.
On Friday, March 20, the Lied Art Gallery opened a new exhibit, which was the BFA thesis of Creighton College of Arts and Sciences senior, Broc Evitch. The exhibit was named “Powerlifting Meets Paint.”
Evitch combined the rough masculinity of powerlifting with the softness of Caravaggio-style paintings in his BFA thesis. While some might think sports and fine arts are polar opposites, Evitch disagrees.
“There are ties between them both; discipline, learning the techniques and the styles, and the repetitive nature of them both. It takes years to get good at painting, just like it takes years to get good at lifting. So, a lot of dedication [in] both. That’s why I enjoy both. They’re very similar,” he argues.
Each piece takes us through a moment in his powerlifting career.
“The Family” is an intensely lit portrait of four muscular bearded men, who are Evitch’s brothers and father.
“[They’re] kind of the rough-and-tumble group that got me into the sport, got me inspired to do it,” Evitch shared.
Powerlifting flows through Evitch’s veins, the same blood that connects him with a whole lineage of powerlifters.
“I had a couple cousins that were Olympians, a couple uncles that were national champions … I started lifting around seventh grade … so it’s been something I’ve been doing [for] most of my life,” Evitch said.
The standout piece in the exhibit is “Self Portrait,” a monochromatic portrait of Evitch lifting, his face a fierce expression of brute strength, roaring like a lion. Leading up to the self-portrait is a collection of smaller paintings, all depicting the steps to the lift.
In the “Chalk” series, Evitch prepares to lift the weight by first powdering his hands with chalk. The background is shrouded in darkness, bringing his hands to the forefront. “Belt” is similarly composed, with the focus on Evitch gearing up with the belt.
CHARLOTTE THAISETTHAWATKUL/THE CREIGHTONIAN
Broc Evitch’s exhibit “Powerlifting Meets Paint,” can be found at Creighton University’s Lied Art Gallery. The thesis and exhibit showcases ties between passion, dedication, and connection.
“It’s depicting a power belt, … it keeps your core tight … it’s always part of my system in my preparation, so I figured it’d be good to represent,” he explained.
All the pieces are on sale, selling from around $185 to $500. The money is going straight to Evitch himself, who plans to go into art education and become a trainer.
In his exhibit description, Evitch explains that his work “is an introduction into the human experience to the sport. Painting, for me, captures a moment in time while simultaneously being timeless.” Indeed, Evitch’s “Powerlifting Meets Paint” puts us in the perspective of an artist with a deeply personal tie with the sport.
The exhibit is open at the Lied Art Gallery until April 26.