30-ft. tall, realistically rendered fiberglass sculpture of a human eyeball in a fenced garden.

The Dallas World Aquarium

Seth Stevens

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Spencer Shadley

hector tapia

Keith

Karina Barajas

Klyde Warren Park

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Giant Eyeball

The "Traveling Man" sculpture, also known as the "Giant Eyeball," is a 30-foot-tall, 12-ton bronze sculpture located in Dallas, Texas. Created by artist Tony Tasset, the sculpture depicts a man's head with a giant eyeball peering out from its socket. The eyeball is made of polished stainless steel and reflects the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic and ever-changing appearance.

The sculpture was originally commissioned for the 2007 Dallas Arts Fair and was installed at the Dallas Convention Center. It was later moved to its current location at the corner of North Central Expressway and Mockingbird Lane. The "Traveling Man" has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Dallas's vibrant arts scene.

One of the unique aspects of the sculpture is its ability to rotate. The eyeball can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing viewers to see it from all angles. This feature adds to the sculpture's dynamic and engaging nature.

Another interesting fact about the "Traveling Man" is that it is not actually a man. The sculpture is based on a photograph of Tasset's wife, who was pregnant at the time. The artist has said that he wanted to create a sculpture that was both personal and universal, and that the "Traveling Man" represents the journey of life.

Introduction

The Giant Eyeball: A Public Art Installation with a Wink

Towering over 30 feet tall and weighing over 3,800 pounds, the Giant Eyeball in Dallas, Texas, is more than just a striking public art installation. It's a playful commentary on surveillance, consumerism, and the ever-present gaze of media in the digital age. 

Created by artists Elmgreen & Dragset, the colossal eyeball is crafted from stainless steel and fiberglass, its surface reflecting the surrounding cityscape in a distorted, fragmented manner. This warped reflection serves as a metaphor for the fragmented reality we experience through digital screens, where information is constantly filtered and manipulated.

The sheer scale of the sculpture demands attention, prompting viewers to confront their own relationship with surveillance and the pervasiveness of media in their lives. Its placement atop the Joule Hotel, overlooking a busy intersection, further emphasizes its role as a watchful observer, a giant eye casting its gaze upon the city below.

Beyond its symbolic meaning, the Giant Eyeball is also a playful and interactive piece. Visitors are encouraged to climb the stairs leading to the sculpture's base, offering a unique perspective of the city and a chance to engage with the artwork on a more intimate level. This interactivity reinforces the artists' intention to create a dialogue with the public, sparking conversations about the role of art in society and the complex relationship between art and the audience.

The Giant Eyeball is a testament to the power of public art to challenge, provoke, and inspire. It's a reminder that art can be more than just decoration; it can be a catalyst for critical reflection and a platform for engaging with important social issues. As a prominent landmark in Dallas, the Giant Eyeball continues to draw attention and spark conversations, solidifying its place as a significant piece of public art with a lasting impact.

Public Art Installation

The Giant Eyeball: A Quirky Landmark with a Storied Past

Towering over Ross Avenue in Dallas, Texas, the Giant Eyeball is an iconic landmark that has captivated locals and tourists alike for decades. This 30-foot-tall sculpture, officially titled "Traveling Man with a Camera," is more than just a peculiar sight; it's a symbol of the city's vibrant arts scene and its embrace of the unconventional.

The Eyeball, as it's affectionately known, was originally conceived in 1987 by artist Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje van Bruggen. The couple envisioned a sculpture that would celebrate the role of photography in capturing and documenting the world around us. The result is a colossal fiberglass eye, complete with iris, pupil, and even a few stray eyelashes, perched atop a towering steel camera body.

The Eyeball's journey to Dallas wasn't without its challenges. Initially intended for a different location, it found its permanent home in the city's Arts District in 1991. Since then, it has become a beloved landmark, attracting countless visitors who marvel at its sheer size and playful design.

Beyond its visual impact, the Eyeball holds a deeper significance for Dallas. It represents the city's commitment to public art and its willingness to embrace bold and innovative expressions. The Eyeball is a constant reminder that art can be found in unexpected places, challenging our perceptions and sparking conversations.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast, an art aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the unique, the Giant Eyeball is a must-see landmark in Dallas. It's a testament to the city's creative spirit and its ability to turn even the most ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art. So next time you're in Dallas, be sure to take a moment to appreciate this quirky and captivating landmark.

Landmark of Dallas

Giant Eyeball, a public art installation in Dallas, Texas, stands as a testament to Robert Irwin's artistic vision. This 30-foot-tall sculpture, resembling a colossal eyeball gazing skyward, embodies Irwin's signature style of minimalist, light-based art.

Irwin's fascination with light and its transformative effects on perception is evident in Giant Eyeball. The sculpture's smooth, reflective surface captures and manipulates sunlight, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that shifts throughout the day. As viewers move around the sculpture, their perception of its form and color constantly changes, inviting them to engage in a dialogue with the artwork.

Giant Eyeball's location in Dallas's Klyde Warren Park further amplifies its impact. Situated amidst the urban landscape, the sculpture provides a stark contrast to the surrounding buildings and greenery. Its imposing scale and enigmatic presence challenge viewers' expectations of public art, prompting them to reconsider their relationship with their environment.

Through Giant Eyeball, Irwin invites viewers to experience art not as a static object but as a dynamic encounter with light, space, and perception. The sculpture's minimalist form and subtle manipulation of light create an immersive environment that encourages contemplation and introspection.

Giant Eyeball is a significant example of Irwin's ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. It stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and a testament to the power of art to engage and inspire.