Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1953, Vandorn Hinnant has carved out a remarkable career spanning several decades, with a rich body of work that crosses multiple mediums and explores deep thematic concerns. His art reflects a unique blend of science, spirituality, and creative vision. Hinnant’s early years in Greensboro sparked his love for art, which he pursued academically, earning a BA in Art Design from North Carolina A & T State University. He later studied sculpture at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, further shaping his diverse approach to art, balancing both technical expertise and deep philosophical exploration.
Hinnant’s creative path has been marked by recognitions, including the North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award in 1993-1994. He has also immersed himself in several artist residencies, like those at The Hambidge Center, Project Row Houses, and Penland School of Crafts. These experiences helped him gain new perspectives while honing his craft and engaging with other artists.
AWAKEN LOVE (2015)
One of Hinnant’s most evocative pieces, Awaken Love, was brought to life in 2015, though its origins trace back over fifteen years to a black-and-white study. The piece is part of his Organic Abstractions series and centers on the Sankofa symbol, a Ghanaian motif representing the idea of retrieving wisdom from the past to move forward. Hinnant taps into this cultural narrative, integrating the Sankofa symbol—a heart-shaped form—into a larger, symbolic composition.
In Awaken Love, a blue rectangle within the heart represents a portal, a doorway between different states of consciousness, an idea that frequently appears in his work. The spiral within the heart symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and death, a motif Hinnant draws from various ancient traditions. This spiral not only evokes celestial energy, symbolized by the sun, but also the spiritual journey of the soul, traveling between worlds.
Layered into the piece is text that urges the viewer to contemplate the role of love in human experience: “It is only when LOVE sleeps that war can walk among us.” These words, alongside the intricate symbolism, make Awaken Lovea compelling call to action, encouraging viewers to awaken love as a force for peace and transformation.
A Monument to Leadership (2017)
In 2017, Hinnant took on a public art commission with sculptor Jim Gallucci to create a 19-foot-tall sculpture for Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. This piece, designed to mark the university’s 150th anniversary, celebrates the leadership of 14 significant figures in the institution’s history. Hinnant’s approach to the project was deeply influenced by the legacy of Tony Smith, an artist known for his groundbreaking explorations of geometry in sculpture.
The monument stands on a large concrete pad, a solid foundation reflecting the enduring legacy of Fayetteville State University. Through geometric forms, Hinnant honors both the past and future, suggesting that leadership is an ongoing, evolving force. By situating the sculpture in such a prominent place, the work becomes part of the campus’s daily life, reminding students and faculty alike of the importance of leadership and vision.
ARK OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Another key piece in Hinnant’s portfolio is Ark of Consciousness, also known as Ark. This work delves deeply into the theme of unity and higher awareness. The composition features a barely visible sentence that repeats in a circular pattern: “We are dreaming, waiting to remember we are one.” This subtle, embedded message reinforces the artwork’s emphasis on collective consciousness and awakening.
Ark of Consciousness incorporates geometric symbols, including figure-eight motifs that represent infinity and the continuous flow of life. At the center of the piece, a vesica pattern, reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphs, signifies a portal, a gateway for consciousness to transcend from one realm to another. This ancient symbol, which often appears in Hinnant’s work, ties his geometric abstraction series to a spiritual, timeless dimension.
The work also employs precise Euclidean geometry, reflecting Hinnant’s fascination with ancient mathematical principles. The composition balances symmetry and symbolism, drawing on concepts such as the Golden Ratio, further enriching the visual experience for viewers who take the time to engage with the intricate details.
Hinnant invites those who encounter his works to do more than simply observe—they are encouraged to contemplate and interact with the deeper messages embedded in his art. Through his use of geometry and ancient symbols, he connects viewers with universal concepts of unity, eternity, and spiritual awakening. Ark of Consciousness stands as a testament to his vision of art as a bridge to higher understanding.
Whether through the emotive power of Awaken Love, the grandeur of A Monument to Leadership, or the introspective layers of Ark of Consciousness, Vandorn Hinnant consistently challenges us to reflect on the nature of reality, leadership, and the interconnectedness of all things. His work offers not just visual beauty but an invitation to explore profound spiritual and philosophical truths.
