Discover the incredible work of African American artist John Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century. His first retrospective exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, offers insights into his diverse creativity as well as his personal story.
MAG partnered with Garth Fagan Dance and Floating Home Films to explore the rhythmic qualities of Rhoden’s work. Choreographer PJ Pennewell, Artistic Director of Garth Fagan Dance, created a series of short, original movements inspired by five sculptures in the exhibition. These performances are screened on walls next to the artworks that inspired them, inviting visitors to experience the sculpture through motion and gesture.
Explore this collaboration in our digital guide!
About the Artist
In his lifetime, John Walter Rhoden sculpted constantly. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he became intrigued by sculpture as a child and was encouraged by local artists and mentors to pursue his interests. He went on to follow his passion for art in college, New York City, and, eventually, destinations around the world.
With a sculptural sensibility shaped by his extensive world travels, sensualism, and a breadth of visual influences, Rhoden worked in a style that was ahead of his time. Featuring approximately forty sculptures in bronze, wood, and stone, this comprehensive exhibition illustrates the award-winning artist’s visual and technical mastery.
Highlights
Feel the Music!
I can see beauty and feel beauty in things . . . there’s something about music that’s just hard to explain.
—John Rhoden
Music was a fixture in John Rhoden’s creative and personal life—his studio space was outfitted with a concert grand Steinway piano that Richanda, his wife, would play as he worked.
Inspired by Rhoden’s work, MAG curated a playlist of music in collaboration with our creative community team for the exhibition: Olivia Kim, sculptor; PJ Pennewell, Artistic Director of Garth Fagan Dance; Rob Tortorella, Founder of Endless Highway; and Caralie Fennessey, Operations Director of Endless Highway. The playlist also includes artists and music that inspired Rhoden himself, based on archival documentation.
Related Programs and Events
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Art Geeks and Beaks DeTOUR: A Look at Birds in MAG’s CollectionThursday, May 21, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
$25; $20 for MAG Members
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Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is organized by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is made possible thanks to the following generous supporters.
Lead support and artwork provided by the estate of Richanda Rhoden. Major support is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art, William Penn Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art and donors to PAFA’s Special Exhibition Fund. Lead support for the Exhibition catalogue is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. The organization and digitization of the John Rhoden Archives at PAFA was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
Exhibition Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Dale and Joe Klein
Associate Sponsors
Anonymous donor
Walter B. D. Hickey, Jr.
Contributing Sponsors
Sonya and Quincy Allen
George and Barbara Segel