Chris Dean is a multidisciplinary artist who works with stereoscopic and lenticular processes. Dean’s print based work is illusionary and interactive with themes that range from energetic abstraction to 3D documentation of natural environments. Dean's interest in lenticular began in the mid 90's as a graduate student at San Jose State University alongside early efforts in the newly developing field of virtual reality. The search to create a less awkward, more accessible 3D experience that didn't rely on glasses quickly led to lenticular. Dean has spent the last 20 years as a promoter and explorer of the medium, has made thousands of prints and earned a reputation as one of the field’s leading experts.
Dean has exhibited broadly in the US and beyond including several large scale lenticular installations. In 2010 Dean began the lenticular production company Parallax Printing. The company has become a leading producer of fine art lenticular prints with notable projects for artists and organizations including The Smithsonian, Nike, Apple, Netflix and others.
PROCESS
Lenticular printmaking is a technique that produces illusionary qualities of depth and motion on a flat two dimensional surface. The effect is similar to holography but works through the use of a carefully designed surface overlay that directs imagery to a viewer's eyes in particular patterns. Lenticular has roots in stereoscopic imagery and shares much in common with 3D movies and Viewmasters but is best known for its free viewing of 3D. Its magical appeal has attracted a wide range of enthusiasts including the growing base of artists interested in exploring its unique qualities.