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Screened inside of the exhibition are a series of short, original movements inspired by five sculptures on view. John Schlia Photography.The Memorial Art Gallery announces the opening of its newest major exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, now on view through August 23. The exhibition traces the career of African American artist John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century, bringing together works that span several decades.
Rhoden worked in a style that was both innovative and ahead of his time, drawing inspiration from international travels, sensualism, and a breadth of visual influences. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Rhoden developed an early interest in sculpture and was encouraged by local artists and mentors to expand his talent. He went on to study art and establish a career in New York City before traveling and engaging in creative endeavors around the world. Featuring approximately forty sculptures in bronze, wood, and stone, this comprehensive exhibition reveals the remarkable scope of Rhoden’s artistic vision while highlighting his technical mastery.
A dialogue between sculpture and dance
Memorial Art Gallery has partnered with Garth Fagan Dance and Floating Home Films to explore the relationship between stillness and movement. Responding to the rhythmic qualities often attributed to Rhoden’s work, PJ Pennewell, Artistic Director of Garth Fagan Dance, created a series of short, original movements inspired by five sculptures in the exhibition. These performances, screened within the exhibition, offer an alternative to traditional interpretive labels—inviting visitors to experience the sculptures through motion, gesture, and narrative.
Each piece unfolds as a brief story in movement, performed by Garth Fagan Dance artists Sabrina Shiman, Kiara Jolié Haywood, Daria Clarke, Janalyce Lane, Raea Moorehead, Charlie Curran, and Jahkim Hodge-Price. Produced in collaboration with filmmaker Alex Weiser, this special presentation introduces a dynamic, multi-perspective way to engage with Rhoden’s work.
Plan a visit
Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden offers a rare opportunity to see the extraordinary work of this significant American artist, underscoring Rhoden’s enduring artistic impact and illuminating his significant contributions to the field of twentieth-century sculpture. More information about the exhibition and admission tickets can be found here.
Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is organized by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and 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.
This exhibition was curated by Dr. Brittany Webb, Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of Twentieth Century Art and the John Rhoden Collection
This exhibition was made possible with the help of Supporting Sponsors Dale and Joe Klein, and Associate Sponsors Anonymous donor and Walter B. D. Hickey, Jr, and the MAG Council.
About the Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery showcases art from antiquity to the present day, including the outdoor public Centennial Sculpture Park. In addition to its permanent collection, MAG offers a year-round schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, after-hours social events, and family activities. Learn more at mag.rochester.edu
About Art Bridges Foundation
Art Bridges Foundation is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. Founded in 2017, Art Bridges creates and supports projects that share works of American art with communities across the United States and its territories. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 300 museums—impacting 25 million people nationwide—to provide financial and strategic support for exhibitions, collection loans, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local communities. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices. For more information, visit artbridgesfoundation.org.
Press contact: Paige Engard, Marketing & PR Specialist: 585.474.7695 / pengard@mag.rochester.edu