Wings of Perception AP

About Wings of Perception AP

This contemporary wall sculpture is a mask forged from metal adorned with the wings of a bird.

Dale Dunning’s superbly crafted and imaginative sculptures often embrace universal themes. The Canadian sculptor’s choice of form—a head is viewed as a metaphor for humankind. This impressive mask is made from small pieces of bronze-colored metal typeset, (the letters, symbols, and glyphs that make up the printed word) formed into the shape of a human face. The ‘eyes’ of the mask are adorned with a cast taken from the wings of a large bird, the fine detail of the feathers remarkably preserved and forged in aluminum. Wings are often used to symbolize freedom; the idea of perception refers to ‘how we see and understand the world.’ The artwork’s title suggests that human perception can ‘take flight and break free from limitations.’ This is the Artist’s Proof.

“When it comes to writing about my work I experience a certain reluctance. Words tend to define and nail down ideas and to quote Nietzsche's words make the uncommon common.” Dale Dunning

Dale Dunning holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. While earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Mt. Allison University, Dunning studied under Lawren P. Harris (son of Group of Seven member Lawren S. Harris) and George Tiessen. Dunning has exhibited across Canada and his work is held in private, corporate, and public collections including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the McIntosh Gallery at Western University, the Carleton University Art Collection, and the National Library of Canada.