Associate Professor of Art at Penn State, Rudy Shepherd's research probes whether the oversimplification of issues and the divisiveness that we see in news reporting makes it more difficult to understand and empathize with one another. His series of Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber sculptures is a response to this question.
Rudy Shepherd Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber
In August 2016, Rudy Shepherd installed a Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber sculpture on Penn State's University Park campus, behind the Visual Arts Building. The sculpture will be on display through May, 2017.
Rudy Shepherd Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber
Rudy Shepherd transforms into "the Healer" in a performance accompanied by live music, to "turn on" each of his Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber sculptures.
Rudy Shepherd Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber
A crowd gathers to witness Rudy Shepherd's transformation to "the Healer," in a performance to activate the Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber.
Rudy Shepherd Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber
Rudy Shepherd's Black Rock Negative Energy Absorbers are a series of sculptures created in response to tragedy—though he leaves it up to the viewers to interpret and connect with each sculpture in their own way.
Rudy Shepherd Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber
Rudy Shepherd's Black Rock Negative Energy Absorbers encourage sympathy, empathy, reflection, and open dialogue.
