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(Sub)Surface

Rae Dobbins

Bio

Asia Dobbins, a Wayne State University alum, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts Education. Her practice focuses on accessibility within the arts for individuals with visual impairments. She became intrigued by the idea of tactile art while working in Ann Arbor Public Schools as an aid for students with visual impairments. Inequities in educational opportunities inspired Asia to produce a film to educate the masses on blindness and how to be an equitable teacher. Accessibility and equity are central to her practice and would also manifest themselves in narratives surrounding race. As a Black woman, transcription of Black stories is important. Creating sculpture inspired by shared experiences of Black individuals enables viewers to figuratively and literally feel the inspiration. Asia’s practice is also embodied through architectural designs—a previously acquired skill. She is the co-founder of Site Works, a collective working to facilitate equitable exhibitions for emerging artists. She has used her past practices and education to teach architecture and visual arts at Cass Technical High School.

Project Statement

(sub)surface was formulated as a means to represent the exhibition titled (sub)surface. The large-scale Braille forces the audience to understand the importance of access. The typical small tool (Braille) protrudes from the surface, displaying the need for access in the art community. 

Visual Description

Twelve wooden panels with various braille dots casted in aluminum and bronze.

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