The Monument Valley

Works by John Acevedo
Show Dates: May 16 - June 26

Opening Reception: March 16 | 5:30-7:30 PM

In The Monument Valley, John Acevedo pays respect to a series of works originally conceived through architectural competitions in the former Yugoslavia. Known as Spomeniks, these monumental structures are found throughout Central and Eastern Europe, created to inspire unity and civic pride among diverse populations, while memorializing the human cost of World War II and warning against the perils of fascism.

The Monument Valley revisits these forms through explorations of color, volume, and transparency—reinterpreting their physical presence as metaphors for today’s global atmosphere. By abstracting and recontextualizing these structures, the work reflects on how meaning shifts over time, and how symbols of unity can both endure and fracture.

Through this body of work, the artist seeks to resurrect not only the visual language of the Spomeniks but also the ideals they once carried—inviting viewers to consider themes of unity, remembrance, and collective identity. It is an open question: what do these monuments mean now, and what might they ask of us today?

About the Artist:

John Acevedo is a graduate of Roger Williams University, where he earned a degree in Architecture. Grounded in a lifelong practice of observation, thoughtfulness, and craft, his work reflects a deep sensitivity to form, material, and the human experience.

In parallel to his studio practice, Acevedo is a seasoned design leader, having worked with global brands including Adidas, Under Armour, Keen and OluKai. His creative work has been a continuous meditation on becoming incrementally better—through design, mentorship, and a commitment to learning.

At its core, his work is shaped by care—by the belief that what we make can hold meaning, memory, and quiet connection.