The Big Little Man (1999) sounds like a typical oxymoron, however, in this case, he is a whimsical bronze sculpture by Dean Bowen. It provokes interaction and discussion as he appears as both larger and smaller than life at the same time; as if all the fun contained in a child’s drawing has been scaled-up. This sculpture was launched in Petrie Plaza, Canberra, on 4th April, 2008, by Jon Stanhope, MLA Chief Minister of the ACT, and Minister for the Arts.
- Dean was born in 1957. After finishing school he went to RMIT and completed his Diploma of Fine Art (Printmaking) in 1976. He later returned to study and obtained a Master of Arts (Printmaking), Monash University; and later a Ph.D (Extended Printmaking) – also from Monash University.
Another recent addition to Dean’s public art portfolio, includes his Bronze ‘Owl’ sculpture for the new Lavington Library, in New South Wales, close to the border with Victoria. The 1.8 metre bronze Owl was installed in the forecourt of Northpoint Tower, Lavington, near Albury in August 2014. The sculpture is not only symbolic of the importance of the area’s endangered ‘Barking Owl’, but also the association of the new library with greater learning and knowledge for everyone in the community.
- For further information on Dean Bowen and his artwork, you can visit his website.
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