Clifford Ward: I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, prologue

Clifford Ward: I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, prologue
February 1 – April 12, 2025 | Opening Reception: February 1, 6–9 PM

Artworks Trenton is thrilled to present Clifford Ward: I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, prologue, a captivating exhibition celebrating the visionary works of Clifford Ward. Running from February 1 to April 12, 2025, this “first look” exhibition explores Ward’s artistic journey through the lens of Afrofuturism—blending cultural heritage, forward-thinking motifs, and an empowering vision for the future..

Clifford Ward is celebrated for his innovative exploration of mythology, culture, and the pathos of the African Diaspora, as well as influences from Indigenous peoples worldwide. His work spans diverse mediums, including mixed media, bronze, iron, and aluminum, while drawing inspiration from Egyptian/Nubian art, cubism, and geometry.

Clifford Ward: I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, prologue will be an enchanting exhibition that brings together selected works from multiple series of works by Ward, celebrating the intersection of Ward’s artistic journey with the imaginative and forward-looking spirit of Afrofuturism. Curated by Addison Vincent, Artistic Director of Artworks Trenton, this exhibition represents a unique collaboration between Artworks Trenton and Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), located in nearby Hamilton, New Jersey. The Artworks Trenton exhibition is a first look at select pieces to be featured in GFS’s upcoming exhibition, Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me a World. The exhibition at GFS is guest curated by Noah Smalls and will be on view in its Museum Building from May 18, 2025 to January 11, 2026. Expanding on the Artworks Trenton exhibition, GFS will display Ward’s work in a
larger context, revealing the complete narrative and the interconnectedness of his greater oeuvre.

Afrofuturism, as a movement, imagines the future through the lens of the African diaspora, blending elements of cultural heritage and pride, with forward-thinking motifs, offering a vision of empowerment and possibility. The works in this exhibition reflect a diverse range of mediums and perspectives, each contributing to a collective narrative that honors the past while boldly looking towards the future.

This exhibition at Artworks Trenton offers visitors an immersive experience, showcasing a decade of Ward’s thought-provoking pieces. Special events, including an artist talk and community programs, will enrich the exhibition, creating a space for dialogue, creativity, and inspiration.

For more details, visit www.artworkstrenton.org or www.groundsforsculpture.org.