Anna Dean - Public Art
Anna creates large scale sculptures and interactive installations that invite the public to engage with a sense of wonder and discovery. She often combines traditional and non-traditional art materials, and utilizes digital and analog processes in order to create innovative works that foster dialogue and promote discourse. Anna believes that thoughtfully designed public art can transform space and bring people together.
Selected Projects
Flight Patterns
Elan Loso, Charlotte NC
This sculpture is based on the flight patterns of birds, but also the hands of a clock. When you are at work, time feels very measured, but when you "fly home to roost" at the end of the day, time seems to melt and stretch. You can finally exhale and let your worries fly away. That was the feeling I wanted to convey with this piece - an invitation to let go, when you come home at the end of the day.
Cloud Migration
Link Apartments, Charlotte NC
Link Apartments in Noda was formerly the site of Herrin Brothers Coal and Ice. To honor the history of this space, I created a cloud and filled the top cubes with the beautiful handwritten ledgers from the ice deliveries of the 1930's and 40's. The bottom cubes are filled with crushed coal.
Fractal Energy
Illuminate, Raleigh NC
This sculpture was originally created for the Rail Trail Lights Festival, but it is now installed in Raleigh NC. It was inspired by the form of the Sierpinski triangle - a mathematical representation of a fractal pattern. The mirrors reflect the viewer and the sky behind them, helping them think about how they are a part of the universe.
While I Breathe, I Hope
Atrium Health
Charlotte NC
This work was the result of my residency at the McColl Center, in partnership with Atrium Health. The vials in this sculpture were sourced from the mass vaccination event at Bank of America Stadium. This work is meant to honor the sacrifices of frontline workers, and offer hope and healing.
Wall of Hope
Levine Children's Hospital
Charlotte, NC
This wall was created to honor the lives of children who donated their organs to give other children a second chance at life.
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When a star dies, for one brief moment, it's the brightest thing in the universe. Then, it collapses in on itself and exhales stardust. This stardust drifts across the galaxy, until it eventually consolidates and forms a new star.
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It is my hope that this wall offers hope to these families, and reminds us that we are all connected - and we are each a part of something greater than ourselves.
Donor Wall, Care Ring
Charlotte, NC
Care Ring is a medical nonprofit that serves the needs of community members who may have fallen between the cracks of the traditional healthcare system.
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It all began in 1955, when the founder saw a need in the community, knocked on a door, and offered her help. That one small gesture spread, and now thanks to the collective action of these donors, Care Ring has expanded to serve over 7,600 people annually.
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I wanted to honor these donors, and celebrate the way that one act of kindness can ripple outward to make a big impact.
