Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Vandorn Hinnant, born in 1953, has cultivated an expansive career spanning decades. His art traverses a variety of mediums and themes, blending scientific inquiry, spiritual depth, and artistic vision. Hinnant’s artistic passion took root in his early life in Greensboro, and his academic journey began at North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a BA in Art Design. His studies continued with a focus on sculpture at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a period that helped him shape a style rooted in technical expertise and deep philosophical insight.
Hinnant’s career has been punctuated by significant accolades, such as the North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award in 1993-1994. His development as an artist has also been influenced by residencies at institutions like The Hambidge Center, Project Row Houses, and Penland School of Crafts. These opportunities allowed him to interact with different artistic communities and gain diverse perspectives while refining his approach.
AWAKEN LOVE (2015)
Awaken Love, a deeply reflective piece from 2015, was conceived from a black-and-white study Hinnant had explored for over 15 years. It’s part of his Organic Abstractions series and is built around the Sankofa symbol from Ghanaian culture, which signifies the idea of returning to the past to inform the future. Hinnant incorporates this heart-shaped symbol into a broader composition, creating a layered narrative.
At the center of Awaken Love, a blue rectangle is seen as a portal, a recurring theme in Hinnant’s work that symbolizes transitions between different levels of consciousness. A spiral within the heart evokes the cyclical nature of life and death, drawing on ancient spiritual traditions. This spiral, representing celestial energy and the soul’s journey between worlds, is complemented by rays of light radiating from the central figure, further emphasizing its spiritual undercurrents.
The work is accompanied by a poignant text that urges reflection: “It is only when LOVE sleeps that war can walk among us.” The statement, along with the symbolic richness of the piece, makes Awaken Love a thought-provoking meditation on love as a transformative and necessary force in the world.
A Monument to Leadership (2017)
In 2017, Hinnant collaborated with sculptor Jim Gallucci to create a 19-foot-tall monument for Fayetteville State University in celebration of its 150th anniversary. The sculpture honors the institution’s 14 leaders, and Hinnant drew inspiration from Tony Smith, an artist celebrated for his exploration of geometric forms in sculpture.
The monument, set on a sturdy concrete base, reflects a sense of continuity and progress, linking past leadership with future vision. Through geometric shapes, the piece captures the ongoing evolution of leadership and education. Installed prominently on campus, the sculpture integrates into the university’s environment, serving as a daily reminder of the importance of leadership and its lasting influence on the community.
ARK OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Another profound piece from Hinnant’s body of work is Ark of Consciousness, also known as Ark. The artwork engages with the themes of unity and higher awareness, inviting viewers to uncover its deeper meaning. At the heart of the piece is a nearly hidden phrase, repeating in a circle: “We are dreaming, waiting to remember we are one.” This subtle message reinforces the work’s emphasis on the interconnectedness of humanity and the collective journey toward awakening.
The geometric composition in Ark of Consciousness includes figure-eight patterns symbolizing infinity, while a central vesica form calls to mind Egyptian hieroglyphs. This shape, often recurring in Hinnant’s work, represents a gateway for consciousness to transcend different realms. The work is carefully constructed using Euclidean geometry, reflecting Hinnant’s fascination with ancient mathematical principles, including the Golden Ratio. This precise approach creates a balanced and symmetrical visual experience, while the hidden layers invite the viewer to engage with the piece on a deeper, more introspective level.
Hinnant’s invitation to viewers extends beyond passive observation. His pieces, like Ark of Consciousness, seek to create an interactive space where people can reflect on larger spiritual truths. By blending geometric abstraction with ancient symbolism, Hinnant’s works serve as keys to unlocking higher awareness and understanding.
From the emotionally charged Awaken Love to the monumental A Monument to Leadership and the contemplative Ark of Consciousness, Vandorn Hinnant’s work challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them. His art offers more than visual appeal—it beckons individuals to explore the deeper meanings of life, leadership, and our collective spiritual journey.
