PUNK BLOCKER (roller derby style, rough, tough, underground, rebel, man, queer, sweden, ukraine)

by Natalie Bruns

This work captures the sheer power and attitude of a true blocker in roller derby. At the centre is a tough player with a brightly coloured cocked comb, a leather vest full of spikes and a look that leaves nothing to the imagination: whoever crosses his or her path will be stopped. The pose is low, muscular and full of tension, while the background in stripes of blue and yellow adds extra movement and dynamism. The silhouettes of other players make it clear that this blocker is the focal point of the game.

The use of colour is bright but limited: blue and yellow contrast beautifully with the black of the outfit and the beige background. It is reminiscent of the raw energy of underground posters and punk zines (zines are often handmade magazines or booklets that people compose, print and distribute themselves). The hand-drawn lines and coarse textures reinforce that rebellious feeling.

Roller derby is a fast-paced, physical team sport played on roller skates (quads) on an oval track. Two teams of five players each compete against each other in short rounds of play, called "jams".
Each team has one "jammer" (identified by a star on its helmet) who can score points by overtaking opponents on the track. The other players are "blockers" and try to help their own jammer and stop the opponent's jammer. This is done by strategic pushing, blocking and positioning.
The sport is intense, tactical and spectacular, with a strong sense of community and often a distinctive, punk-like culture surrounding it. It is mainly played by women, but there are also mixed and men's matches.

Conceived by Natalie and visualised by Artificial Intelligence. A unique collaboration between human feeling and digital imagination.