Sophist (polished bronze) 1/7

About Sophist (polished bronze) 1/7

This contemporary table top sculpture is a mask forged from metal.

This unique piece was hand forged by the masterful sculptor, Dale Dunning whose work is highly valued for its superb craftsmanship. The themes in his eclectic artwork often revolve around the symbolic use of a head as a metaphor for human experience. Dunning favours using recycled materials—in this case bronze typeset letters and symbols (text used in printing) are re-imagined in the shape of a head. In ancient Greece, ‘sophists’ were teachers of philosophy.
The dictionary meaning of ‘sophist’ refers to someone who is clever at debating and often uses ‘persuasive rhetoric rather than the truth.’ Mounted on a bronze metal stand. The finish is highly polished so it naturally reflects light.

“The face made from typeset ties in perfectly with the concept of perception. Typeset, as a medium of language and communication, plays a critical role in shaping thought and perception.” Dale Dunning

“Dale Dunning is an exceptionally versatile artist. He has mastered techniques in bronze, aluminum, steel and glass over four decades of relentless creativity.” - Sanjeev Sivarulrasa, Curator Sivarulrasa Gallery

Dale Dunning holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. While earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mt. Allison University, NB, he studied under Lawren P. Harris (the 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.