Acorn’s “Camouflage Man” begins art series

John Acorn’s “Camouflage Man: Under Occupation” exhibit is on display at Blackbridge Hall Art Gallery until September 17. Free of charge, it is a part of the “Visual Legacy” series which incorporates artwork from artists who have had experience in three distinct areas: teaching, art and administration.

“He (Richard Lou) asked me to participate in the exhibition schedule,” said Acorn. “Mine is the first of three other people.”

Included with Acorn’s art is artwork from his former students Aaron Baldwin, Mark Hudson, Richard A. Lou, Maggie McMahon, and Kristen T. Woodward. Each exhibition will also feature an art lecture given by the artist.

“Also included in the exhibit are pieces from Acorn’s “Reflections” series, which are sculptural paintings made of precisely cut pieces of tin riveted to the surface,” said Roxanne Farrar, Assistant Professor in the Art Department.

Acorn earned his Bachelor of Arts at Montclair State College and his Master of Fine Arts at Cranbrook Academy of Art. He served as the Chair of the Art Department at Clemson University in South Carolina for 22 years.

Acorn said he has been “making art for almost half a century.” He has also done a lot of commissioned artwork. He sculpts primarily, but also paints.

His two sculptures currently on display feature massive figures in the general shape of a headless man. They are enveloped in more intricately formed, minute details that cover the figures.

Acorn got the idea for his “Camouflage Man” series from a picture in a newspaper. He says he finds inspiration for his art in “common everyday object and experiences.”

“I am definitely glad that I went to the exhibit,” Katherine Flook, a freshman who visited the exhibit recently, acknowledged. “I thought that Acorn’s unique style was very compelling.”

Acorn, known for his striking symbols and complex designs, has a style that distinguishes him from his contemporaries.

“The ‘invisibility’ to which his camouflaged work alludes is both humorous and subversively dangerous,” explained Farrar.

“They were pieces that I stared at for several minutes to discover the fine details,” said Flook. “Acorn’s art was quite detailed and diverse. I truly enjoyed his work and look forward to attending more art exhibits.”

For more information about Acorn’s exhibit, contact Blackbridge Hall at 478-804-4572.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 3 2004. Filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry