STARGAZER
Scott White + Deirdre Murphy
Aluminum and LEDs | 2020 | 74" diameter x 16.5"
Temple University, Charles Library | Philadelphia, PA
Husband-and-wife team Scott White and Deirdre Murphy designed Stargazer specifically for the Charles Library. Murphy’s practice is concerned with patterns in bird migrations, particularly as they are guided by the stars. Her design represents the spring night sky as it appears directly over Temple’s campus. In the center, the largest star represents Polaris, more commonly known as the North Star. Familiar constellations can be found throughout the star system depicted on the dome, such as Cassiopia, Gemini (the twins), and the Big and Little Dippers. White’s sculptural work involves hand-working the aluminum, with his unique process of hammering, shaping, gas welding, drilling, incising, sanding, and polishing. With its corona of colored light, the dome appears to hover weightlessly in space.
Curated by Susanna Gold P.h.D / Art Historian & Curator
Generously funded by Dennis Alter
Photo Credit: Sam Fritch and Rebecca McAlpin
