Temporary Public Art Project Commissioned by
80" x 63" x 20"
Site-specific installation (aluminum, steel and digitally prepared electrostatic prints)
This interactive sculpture is derived from two games; tic-tac-toe and the wood block puzzle. Nine triangular blocks mounted on posts can be turned horizontally as in a playground game of tic-tac-toe, while the imagery functions as a visual puzzle. Three discreet images can be formed, and the public is invited to rotate the blocks to explore the additional visual permutations. One set of panels represents the architectural wall behind the unit allowing the sculpture to camouflage itself into its surroundings. Larger than life faces of used dolls are featured on the other sides. One is sweet and innocent, while the other's eyes and mouth are fogged, and her hair is gray. The imagery on the sculpture references the human form, childhood, and innocence. Dolls also represent the human skin and hair (the outer layers of a person) which is juxtaposed with the cast concrete wall (the outer layer of a building) suggesting comparisons and connections between the two central components, human and architectural. Buildings often seem immobile, static and imposing, but in this piece architecture becomes flexible and playful. Human elements overpowered by the downtown architectural scale are enlarged to become closer equals with the surrounding architecture. Face to Face attempts to disrupt the monolithic concrete environment while providing an unexpected source of entertainment, conversation, discovery and visual meditation.