Our Prism Dreams
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Artist Statement
Our Prism of Dreams is a beacon of hope to people from around the world. This newly commissioned kinetic artwork features hand painted portraits by Bay Area artist Caleb Dowdell. All of his subjects are painted on a five-sided prism of unique individuals who he recognizes have helped pave the way for those who aspire to follow in their footsteps and inspired us to chase our dreams fearlessly. Dowdell took the opportunity of using the Art Kiosk as a residency program so viewers could witness him painting on the installation during the six week exhibition period. By allowing visitors to see the artwork evolve, he hopes to demystify the magic of art making by showing the hard work and skill it requires to create such an ambitious exhibition. The Art Kiosk invites you to meet and chat with the artist and to repeatedly visit to see the artwork change over time.
One panel honors Mary Jackson, the groundbreaking NASA engineer, alongside the revolutionary performer and advocate Janelle Monáe who portrayed Jackson in the movie Hidden Figures. Jackson shattered barriers as NASA’s first Black female engineer paving the way for future generations to reach for the stars—and even the moon. Another panel depicts Harriet “Moses” Tubman who rescued and freed hundreds of enslaved people, served as a nurse and spy for the Union, and was the first woman to lead a major military operation in the U.S. Also featured is Victoria Manalo Draves who was the first Asian American U.S. Olympic champion, winning a gold medal during a time when many public pools in the country restricted access to “whites only.” Another panel showcases Coach Herman Boone, the inspiration for the film Remember the Titans, and one of the first coaches in U.S. history to lead an integrated football team. Portrayed by the Denzel Washington, Coach Boone fostered mutual respect and unity, leading his team to an undefeated season in 1971. The installation also honors José Hernández, one of the first Latino astronauts to travel to space and the first migrant farm worker to do so. His journey was portrayed in the inspiring film A Million Miles Away, showcases his relentless pursuit of what once seemed an impossible dream. The panels are constructed of clear plexiglass, serving as a metaphor for personal transparency, feeling unseen, and inner exploration. The panels are painted with semi-transparent glazes of acrylic paint and gloss medium allowing for colors to blend and transform as the viewer moves around the prism, symbolizing how dreamers influence and feed off of each other. Reflecting on Dowdell’s own journey, his path twists and turns with new inpirations, obstacles, risks, and sacrifices. As this piece rotates freely with the breeze, Dowdell champions sitting back and enjoy the ride! Special thanks to Redwood City Improvement Association for funding this installation as well assistants Steve Dellicarpini, Autumn, Kalyani, Vu, Olli, Neal, Johnny, Ari, Edith, Caesar, Paris, Mariana, Elizabeth and Sasha.