‘Blu Goes Pink’
by Cassandra Yardeni

The El Paso Media Group and the Susan G. Komen El Paso Affiliate are partnering up and going pink. For one evening, El Paso’s Club Blu will display work by local photographer Debra Gulbas, who, over the past two months, has produced a collection of photographs which pay tribute to the courage and spirit of those who have battled breast cancer. Event proceeds will be donated to both the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the El Paso Fund for the Arts.

Inspired by a recent assignment to photograph Breast Cancer Survivors (El Paso Magazine, Oct. 2007), Gulbas has been snapping all things pink in the world around her. Photographing everything from roses to dogs to people, Gulbas says the “exhibit is about celebrating life and the women and men who have had breast cancer…I also wanted the images to convey hope for those who are currently battling cancer... I hope that breast cancer survivors will be able to connect with the mood, tone, and meaning in the photos.”

The photographer admits that through the collection, she has grown to see the world through pink-colored glass. She says, “Throughout this project, the meaning of the color pink has completely changed for me. I see pink everywhere now, and when I do, it makes me shift my thinking toward a positive aspect.”

As the disease affects one in eight women, El Paso Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s event manager John Payne recognizes the significance of this event. “The exhibit’s focus is that of ordinary and extraordinary pink objects. The exhibit brings attention to the national campaign, Passionately Pink for the Cure™… [and] goes a step beyond and allows El Pasoans to view amazing photography while supporting the cause,” he explains.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on October 25, the El Paso community is invited to Club Blu, located at 209 S. El Paso St., in the heart of the city’s Downtown. Gulbas’ entire “Passionately Pink” collection will be on display and available for sale. With portions of the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen El Paso Affiliate and the El Paso Media Group’s Fund for the Arts, the color pink has never packed so much punch!

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