Billy Penn at WHYY | Sculptor John Rhoden’s work is gone from a Center City hotel, but on proud display at PAFA
"The artist created the striking bronze statue outside the African American Museum of Philadelphia."
The first retrospective for John Rhoden at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts sheds light on the history and meaning behind his public art in Philadelphia.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the renowned Black American sculptor completed several commissions in and around the region.
One piece is “Nesaika,” the imposing bronze sculpture that stands nearly 10 feet tall at the entrance to the African American Museum of Philadelphia. Unveiled for the grand opening in 1976, its symbol was once the museum’s logo.
Read the full article "Sculptor John Rhoden’s work is gone from a Center City hotel, but on proud display at PAFA" online at billypenn.com (October 20, 2023). Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is on view at PAFA until April 7, 2024.
Image: Black and white photograph of John Rhoden at the Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia,1957. The John Rhoden Papers at PAFA, MS.2019.01.1163. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia. https://pafaarchives.org/item/80748.
