“I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD”: An exhibition of works by Clifford Ward is on view at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton Township through January 11. (Photo courtesy of Grounds for Sculpture)

“Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me a World,” an exhibition guest curated by Noah Smalls at Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), is entering its final weeks and will close on January 11. Currently on view in the sculpture park’s Museum Building, this exhibition presents a tapestry of themes and concepts in Ward’s expansive practice. It spans over a decade of creative work, much of which was created at his studio on the GFS campus.

Ward is inspired by a diverse array of cultural influences, including contributions from the African diaspora, Australian Aboriginal people, and Native American and Ma-ori cultures. His work often explores geometry, Cubism, mythology, and anthropomorphism. Together, these myriad influences, themes, and concepts transcend temporal and geographical confines, resonating with the collective human experience.

“We’ve been delighted to showcase an extensive body of work from an artist with whom we have a long-standing relationship,” said Kathleen Greene, chief audience officer at Grounds For Sculpture. “The diverse cultural narratives woven into Ward’s wide-ranging artistic practice have been relatable to both existing and new audiences.”

Ward’s artistic journey envisions a Black future that reclaims and reinterprets the symbolism and history of the past. Conceptually, it aligns with Afrofuturism, a cultural aesthetic with roots in the mid-twentieth century. The aesthetic weaves together science fiction, history and fantasy to explore Black experiences and imagine liberatory futures. This is embodied by Ward’s “Animism” series, a body of work featuring totemic figures displaying intricate geometries, mythologies, textures, and symbols. Despite their ethereal origins, these sculptures firmly root themselves in the present moment. These works also demonstrate a sculptural process that Ward has developed and refined over many years: wrapping plaster bandages around a supporting armature, which is reinforced and shaped with a variety of materials, such as steel, wood, Styrofoam, cardboard, and newspaper, and subsequently finished with shellac, brown wax, and acrylic paint.

“Having always felt the inclination to create, I made a significant piece one night using a long balloon wrapped around a cranberry juice jar, applied paper mâché, and painted it. This simple piece was the impetus that changed my life — leading to my becoming a professional artist,” said Ward. “Since then, I’ve expanded this technique to create wall reliefs and figures ranging from six feet to nine feet.”

“It’s been an honor to curate this exhibition alongside Clifford Ward, whose unwavering vision and dedication to his masterful artistic practice was a constant source of inspiration throughout this project,” added Smalls. “Much of the work Clifford has created over the past decade has never been exhibited before, and it’s been exciting to share these extraordinary pieces with the GFS community and audiences beyond.”

This solo exhibition of Ward’s work not only celebrates Afrofuturism as a dynamic artistic genre, but also underscores its evolution and potential future directions within visual culture. It encourages audiences to engage deeply with diverse cultural narratives, transcending temporal and spatial boundaries to address themes that are simultaneously timeless and forward-thinking. It invites viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and introspection, hopefully challenging them to reconsider their perspectives on identity, history, and the future.

Also on view now at Grounds For Sculpture: “Salvador Jiménez-Flores: Raíces & Resistencias,” is a solo exhibition that explores critical issues of migration, cultural hybridity, and resilience. On view in the park’s East Gallery and outdoors, the exhibition comprises two site-specific pieces that feature slip painting and portrait forms, and two bronze cast sculptures, one of which was commissioned for the sculpture park’s permanent collection. The exhibition is curated by GFS Executive Director Gary Garrido Schneider. It is open through August 1, 2027.

Located at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton Township, GFS is a 42-acre not-for-profit sculpture park, arboretum, and museum. For more information, visit groundsforsculpture.org.