Whole of My Heart, by NESA member Chris Plaisted, was installed in September in Knoxville, TN, as part of the Dogwood Arts Art In Public Places: Sculpture Program.
The Art in Public Places Sculpture Program brings art outside, adding character and beauty to our city streets and spaces. The annually rotating, outdoor exhibition includes sculptures installed in prominent locations throughout Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville, and Alcoa.
The sculpture represents a heart crafted from steel and rebar. The outer layers of the heart are a deep, passionate red, while the inner layers gradually transition into a warm yellow. A carved hole is at the heart’s center, creating a captivating and emotive focal point. The empty space within the heart is a powerful symbol, evoking a sense of longing, vulnerability, or even resilience. The interplay of colors and the carefully sculpted negative space make this piece visually stunning and emotionally evocative.
