OCCULUS

Comment

Comment by DENNIS A. DEZMAIN on April 3, 2016 at 11:12am

Thank you, Kristen. This work was named by by son. I had no idea on the theme or how this was going to come out. It just resolved on its own. One of those pieces you do and a metamorphosis transpires. However, I am pleased it is finished as I am now designing Flying Lovers which I have a theme and direction. Thank you again for your review. All the best for now.  Dennis

Comment by Resident Curator on April 3, 2016 at 10:51am

Curator’s Comments:  

 

Thank you for inviting me to comment on this new piece…I’ve enjoyed following the evolution of your sculptures; in particular the use of architectural line and color.  Oculus seems a step back to a monochromatic metallic palette, with very small accents of primary red (as opposed to the fairly recent works Sky Dancers and Intruder). Rather than providing a contrasting stone base, this visual anchor is also more analogous to the color of the painted aluminum rods and congruous with the more utilitarian or kinetic emphasis.  It also feels less aerodynamic to me than some of your other constructions.  Instead, it suggests the transparency of a working mechanism with visible gears or turning levers pushing off in opposing directions.  I’m therefore curious about the title, which alternately references a central eye or aperture.  While the oculus may not be inherently understood as part of the design, I find myself wondering if the piece intends to assert a central focus through function or action. Can you offer insight into the name of the work?