Princeton resident
Rhinold Ponder began his artistic journey as a national award winning art student in Chicago before turning his full attention to obtaining advanced degrees in law, journalism and African American Studies. Rhinold, the oldest of the eight children of Carrie and Alvin Ponder, was raised on 33rd and King Drive from where he attended Douglas Elementary and Dunbar High Schools, where he majored in commercial art.
Rhinold put aside his passion for art to pursue more “pragmatic” endeavors such as graduating from Princeton, Boston and New York Universities. After a nearly 25-year hiatus from painting and cartooning, Rhinold found the most “pragmatic” use of his skills required him to recommit to his passion of expressing his vision of the world through colorful abstract, expressionist and provocative art. While his works draw on a number of themes and a range of styles, most of his paintings focus on humanity’s faith and will to overcome adversity. He is largely interested in expressions of hope and faith as unifying elements in a diverse society. His mantra is “I paint what I like,” and his current work shows his love of explosive action and engaging interactions of form and color.
Rhinold’s future plans include merging his love for literature and writing with the visual arts. Until the end of his college days at Princeton, he seriously wrote poetry and studied under the tutelage of such greats as poet laureate Stanley Kunitz, Haki Madhubuti, John “Red” Hearne (in Jamaica) and author Angela Jackson. His first project combining literary and visual art disciplines will be a series of interpretative abstract paintings based upon the Ralph Ellison novel, “Invisible Man”.
In addition to exhibiting at SweetTree Gallery and Princeton University in Princeton, NJ and Mill Hill Playhouse in Trenton, NJ, he frequently exhibits at alternative venues such as Momentum Fitness (in Montgomery, NJ) Barnes and Nobles, Borders, the Contemporary (Trenton, NJ) and local coffee houses. Rhinold was invited to join notable New Jersey artists to exhibit at NJPAC as part of “A Celebration of Lawyers in the Arts” and to paint a chair for auction for the Trenton After School Program Fundraiser sponsored by the Educational Testing Service. He participated in his first juried group show, "Revolution" in 2007 at 125 Gallery in Trenton New Jersey
Rhinold also enjoys doing one day shows with fabulous and serious art collectors, particularly at the homes of supporters. He has built a significant following and his works now appear in prints and note cards.
Rhinold resides with his wonderful wife and Girl Scout Michele Tuck-Ponder and artistic daughter, Jamaica Sharon and infant son William D'Artagnan.
