Sightings: Michael Dean

Born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1977, Michael Dean lives and works in London. His work explores themes of language, the act of writing and the struggle to communicate in a variety of forms, including sculpture, photography, poetry, plays, publications and performance. 

Often made of concrete forms cast in flexible plastic bags, his sculptures sometimes vaguely resemble letters of the alphabet and are occasionally installed on top of Dean’s self-published books filled with gibberish or nonsensical phrases printed in handmade, pictogram lettering. These abstract, industrial objects, however, project an extraordinary humanity: often slightly hunched, slumped, or leaning, the sculptures take on human qualities that elicit our sympathy. We feel for these slightly downtrodden creatures and connect with their plight. 

 For his exhibition, Dean will create new works in response to the unique environs of the Nasher. Sightings: Michael Dean will be the artist’s first solo museum exhibition in the United States.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.