New Dawn by Bob Allen, Supervisory Visual Information Specialist (Senior Designer), Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Mixed media, 2012
“New Dawn”
Bob Allen
Supervisory Visual Information Specialist (Senior Designer), Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Mixed media
13.3 x 119.3 x 39.3 cm (5 ¼ x 47 x 15 ½ in.)
2012
New Dawn, provokes the viewer to consider the wounds, the wounded and the
enduring, debilitating consequences of war, as the helpful is assembled with the
harmful in a brutally unsettling relationship. The resulting construction, joining a common medical crutch with a high-tech Colt M4A1 military carbine, makes for a dissonant and disturbing hybrid implement, embodying both support and affliction.
The elements comprising New Dawn, portray a dark, desolate horizon, clouded
by incessant suffering in the aftermath of armed human conflict. A sobering visual
reminder of the tragedies and toll of war.
My early years at the Hirshhorn Museum were spent building its graphic arts production studio,
and providing leadership and training for its graphic design and exhibition design practices.
Currently I provide creative direction and oversight for all of the museum’s visual communication. When not at my day job, much of my spare time is spent pursuing a
wide range of artistic endeavors and interests.
