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Fred Nall Hollis, the world-renowned artist and former Troy University artist-in-residence, died Saturday at the age of 76.
“Nall was a treasure, not only for Alabama, but for the world around us,” Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. said. “He had the ability to see things that were not — yet he had the artistic talent to transform his ideas into works of art which made the world more beautiful.
“We loved him, and he was an integral member of the Troy University family, and, on a personal level, our family. Nall will be remembered as one of America’s greatest artists.”
Known professionally as “Nall,” the Troy native was known internationally for his work across many mediums, including painting, etchings, graphite, textile, objects and wood.
Troy University’s International Arts Center (IAC) has the largest collection of his most important works, including the permanent display of “Alice in Wonderland” and the “MossaNall Dialogues.”
“He grew up just downtown in the old historical center, but he pushed into his artistic career, went off to study abroad, traveled and lived and made infinite connections in that way,” said Carrie Jaxon, IAC director and curator, who met Nall in 2017. “I think it's inspiring that the boy from Troy went out, and he did all these things.”
Nall, who was mentored by Salvador Dali, often explored hard or controversial themes, influenced by religion and his southern upbringing.
Behind the IAC is Nall’s Peace Dove titled, "Violata Pax," which means “Wounded Peace.” The Dove was originally commissioned for the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before coming to the IAC in 2016. One side of the dove represents war, and the other peace, as a reference to 9/11.
Jaxson spoke highly of Nall’s character and kindness.
“He was a really enjoyable person to work with, in terms of getting to spend time with him and his artwork, which is very impactful,” Jaxson said. “Anyone can walk through the [IAC] doors and enjoy what he so generously donated to the university.”
Nall graduated from the University of Alabama before moving to study art at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1971. After returning, he taught art at his alma mater and served two semesters as Troy’s artist-in-residence. Nall later received a Doctorate Honoris Causa from Troy University.
Dr. Greg Skaggs is the department chair for the college of communication and fine arts. He met Nall for the first time in 2016. Skaggs spoke of the long-lasting impression Nall had on not just the university, but himself.
“For years, there were times where there wasn’t a day that would go by that I didn’t hear a story about Nall,” Skaggs said. “He was an Alabama treasure.”
He would talk to anyone and become friends with anyone. He was willing to share his tremendous knowledge base, and he did workshops with our students.
Every semester, Skaggs takes his drawing students to see and learn from Nall’s work.
“You can stand back from [his work] and say it’s a recognizable person, but if you get up close, you can see the process and the time spent, and the indelible mark of mastery is something our students – that we have right here on our campus – we can show them an esteemed example of something attainable,” Skaggs said.
Nall received numerous accolades during his life. In 2018, Nall was named an Alabama Humanities Fellow with the highest honor possible. In 2016, he was inducted into the Alabama center for the arts hall of fame.
Skaggs and Jaxson both said Nall’s legacy would continue to be honored at Troy University.
“The beautiful thing is that he has donated a lot of work that we have yet to show, sitting in boxes or in storage, and I think Nall will continue to live on and be discovered as years go on,” Skaggs said.
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