Exhaling Dissolution
Sarah Deppe, 2011

Exhaling Dissolution is a work by Wisconsin-based artist Sarah Deppe. The 13.5-foot tall head is constructed of cottonwood bark gathered from fallen trees destroyed in a storm. The artwork was previously installed in Iowa and Tennessee.

Deppe describes the inspiration behind the artwork:

“This work is a human head, no one in particular, representing humanity. Its mouth is open as if it were speaking or breathing or exhaling and engaging in conversation. The primary focus is to initiate conversations about social issues such as the environment and giving a voice to nature. This work is about connecting with nature. The bark will eventually dissolve and return to the earth.

About the artist:
Sarah Deppe earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Her work is an investigation of the constantly changing urban landscape. She is interested in how objects and materials within our urban space shift and warp our interaction with the natural world. Sarah has shown in many juried shows throughout the nation including: Chicago, IL, Des Moines, IA, Chattanooga, TN, and Oak Park, IL. She also has permanent installations at Texas A&M University and Coralville, IA to name a few. She is currently creating in Madison, WI.

Snowy Range Rotating Sculpture Program is a program of the City of Laramie administered by the Laramie Public Art Coalition. Artwork was selected through a national call for artwork based on community feedback. Work is on a three-year rotation. The current cycle is 2021 to 2024.

Sculpture pads are located at 3rd Street and Harney on the East Side of the Snowy Range Bridge and on Clark Street and Snowy Range Road on the West Side.