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 is taking the opportunity of using the Art Kiosk as a residency program so viewers can witness him painting on his 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. His journey was portrayed in the inspiring film A Million Miles Away which 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 has had many directions—often entailing obstacles, risks, and sacrifices.

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.

About the Artist:

Caleb Dowdell is a multidisciplinary artist and performer working to inspire viewers to live with purpose and joy. In addition to showing artwork and performing in concerts and plays for the past several years, Dowdell has been combining vocal performance with his rt practice. He has collaborated in community projects, including Christina Rhoads’ showcase, “When Art Speaks,” which combined dance, theatrical monologues, song, and visual art at the Turlock Carnegie Art Center.

His latest community collaboration was with Tiffanie Heben’s “Artists by Artists” exhibition that connected the city of Tracy’s history and past art to today’s artists at the Tracy Historical Museum. He also created a mural at the Modesto Silos Lounge and was invited to showcase his solo exhibition, “Follow The Light,” in Modesto and San Jose galleries. Last year, he created two solo exhibitions: “Underwater Day Dreams” and “Legacy of Growth”. While nature and portraits have remained the main focus of his work, Dowdell strategically uses varying imagery, bold color, and subtle symbolism to highlight social issues share his culture and faith, and captures emotion and beauty. His work shows that one can find light and hope in the darkest points of life.

About the Art Kiosk:

The Art Kiosk aims to bring thought-provoking installations and public art to Redwood City and the Bay Area through eight, six week-long exhibitions throughout 2025. Artists from the Bay Area and around the world have been invited to realize their ambitious, site-specific artworks for our audience to enjoy. The initiative was conceived and is curated by Lance M. Fung. Donated curatorial work and project management for the exhibition series is provided by Fung Collaboratives. The Redwood City Improvement Association (RCIA) is the sole sponsor since the inaugural year of 2019. Redwood City acts as the logistical partner and provides the space and utilities. Please drop by for a visit 24/7 at 2208 Broadway, Redwood City, CA for a free viewing. Details may be found at: www.fungcollaboratives.org