By Ripon Media in College Days on October 23, 2016
Artist John Hitchcock comes to Ripon College in November
By Emily Janssen
Artwork combining Native American and military images will soon be coming to Ripon College.
On November 4th there will be an art opening welcoming the artwork of John Hitchcock to campus.
“Hitchcock uses images of beads, bombs, floral patterns, buffalo and owls to speak about issues of indigenous historical trauma,” Hitchcock’s statement said. “Many of the images are interpretations of stories told by his Kiowa/Comanche grandparents and abstract representations influenced by beadwork, land, and culture.”
Hitchcock is working “…to comment on the militarization of America and to mythologize notions of American identity,” Professor Salas said.
Hitchcock works with the mediums of print and installation. “A print is an image that is produced through a press and can be created in multiples,” Professor Salas explained. “Instillations are artworks…that are large scale that you can walk around.”
The exhibit will be at Caestecker Gallery in the Rodman Center for the Arts. On November 4th there will be an art opening consisting of a lecture in Demmer Recital Hall at 7pm and a reception afterwards.
Hitchcock is a professor at UW-Madison. His artwork has been displayed at a variety of locations including the Venice Biennale.
“[The Venice Biennale] is one of the most premiere venues for contemporary art in the world,” Professor Salas said. “…[Hitchcock is] probably one of the most eminent artists we’ve had here in many years.”
Ripon College has been hosting art exhibits for many years. “One of my predecessors, Eugene Kain, I think he was involved in building [Caestecker Gallery],” Professor Salas said. “And he set up this program and it’s been very healthy because of how he was a steward for it.”
Ally Wilber, Class of 2017, is one of two students who are in charge of the Caestecker Gallery and managers of 314: Ripon College Project Space. She said that, “These events are important because they encourage discourse about the work and it’s meaning. They inspire young artists to create new kinds of work, as well as assure them of career possibilities.”
People who cannot make the opening do not have to worry. “Students should know that the artwork isn’t only on display during the openings!” Wilber said. “(However, that is when they have the opportunity to meet with the artist.) We have regular open hours at both 314 and Caestecker.”
