Terry Roger Adkins

Place: Washington

Born: 1953

Death: 2014

Biography:

Terry Roger Adkins was an American artist born in Washington, D.C. in 1953. He was a Professor of Fine Arts in the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. Adkins was an interdisciplinary artist whose practice included sculpture, performance, video, and photography. His artworks were often inspired by, dedicated to, or referred to musicians and their instruments.

Early Life and Career

Adkins grew up in a musical household, with his father being a chemistry and science teacher and Korean War veteran who sang and played the organ. He was primarily of English and Scottish descent. Adkins' early life was marked by a strong interest in music, but he eventually found himself drawn to visual art. He earned a B.S. in printmaking from Fisk University in Nashville, followed by an M.S. in the field from Illinois State University and an M.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Kentucky.

Artistic Style and Themes

Adkins' artistic style was characterized by a blend of abstract elements and figurative representations. His works often featured musicians or musical instruments, and he sometimes labeled his installations and exhibitions as "recitals." He led the Lone Wolf Recital Corps, which premiered works at ICA London, Rote Fabrik in Zurich, New World Symphony in Miami, P.S.1 MOMA, and ICA Philadelphia. Many of his works drew from the biographies of little-known historical figures, such as Matthew Henson, a black Arctic explorer who reached the North Pole with Robert Peary at the turn of the 20th century.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Adkins' work has been exhibited at museums and galleries worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and is in the collections of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; the Studio Museum in Harlem; the Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York; and the Tate Modern in London. In 2012, he had a major retrospective at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

• Influences: Adkins' work was influenced by his musical background and his interest in historical figures.
• Artistic style: Adkins' artistic style was characterized by a blend of abstract elements and figurative representations.
• Notable works: Adkins' notable works include Nutjuitok (Polar Star), a celebration of the life of Matthew Henson, and Darkwater Record, a celebration of W.E.B. Du Bois.
• Exhibitions: Adkins' work has been exhibited at museums and galleries worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Tate Modern.

Legacy

Adkins' legacy as a multidisciplinary artist continues to be celebrated through his works, which can be found in the collections of numerous museums and galleries. His unique blend of artistic styles and themes has made him a notable figure in the art world. As a professor and artist, Adkins' work continues to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts.