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Jim Ridlon NFL Assemblages |
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Surrounding the Gabbarrón exhibit and the upper level of the courtyard are a set of 34 assemblages documenting NFL football by the artist Jim Ridlon. Previously housed in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, this series was donated to ASAMA by Ridlon. Ridlon's premier assemblage work, created in 1986, commemorates the 25th anniversary of "ABC's Wide World of Sports." Response to this work earned Ridlon a spot in the Smithsonian Institution.
Generally, artists who create these works "assemble" many different kinds of materials. The result is considered both a painting and a sculpture. Artists may choose to use recycled materials, industrial products and even debris to create their works. They may choose objects that relay a certain message or idea. When viewing the slideshow, notice that Ridlon chooses objects that work with his titles to create humorous overtones and/or puns.
The son of a lobsterman, Ridlon grew up in Nyack, New York. His struggles with dyslexia led him to focus inwardly and turn to art as a release. In high school, his artistic ability flourished under the direction of an excellent art teacher. Earning an athletic scholarship to Syracuse University allowed him to pursue his study of art. From college, he went to play in the NFL, serving as one of the first tough-as-nails defensive backs in the 1950's and 60's with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. He earned all NFL honors as a defensive back in 1964. At the peak of his career, however, Ridlon left the gridiron to return to Syracuse and pursue his true calling - art. Learn more about Ridlon.
View a Flash slideshow of the Ridlon's assemblage exhibit.
Other Featured Exhibits:
- The Road to the Beijing Olympiad 2008 Through Art
- Wyland — Faster, Higher, Stronger
- Cristóbal Gabarrón — 100 Years of The Modern Olympics
- Charles Billich — Bing Mah Yongs
- Bruce Larsen — Found Object Sculptures
- Jim Ridlon — NFL Assemblages
- Stephen Holland — Hockey Series & Woodblock prints
