Cosmic Trace

The Cosmic Trace project was a nation-wide installation of sculpture along the path of the moon’s ‘umbra’ (the darkest part of its shadow) during the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse, crossing the US from Del Rio, TX, to Presque Isle, ME. The works in this exhibition are studies for the national project. Dean’s drawings employ bright, sparse colors and/or a gestural style of lines and shapes. They are loosely drawn to keep open his options for the project, suggesting multiple possibilities. During a solar eclipse it becomes dark, something like twilight. One can then hear the night creatures wake and start singing as the day creatures pause, thinking it is nighttime.  For humans it is a rare opportunity to feel the dramatic magnificence of the moon and sun, as well as the larger cosmos, and an appreciation of our tiny planet. It inspires joyous wonder, hopefully resetting our human values and priorities.