Work samples

  • Something of Three, Freight Gallery (installation view)
    Something of Three, Freight Gallery (installation view)

    Something of Three is an immersive video and sculpture installation exhibited at the Freight Gallery (Washington, DC) in 2022. The work explores the relationship between myth, reality and the journey that connects the two. The viewer is invited into a small space, a functioning historic freight elevator temporarily transformed into a gallery, and immersed in a journey reminiscent of the winding path of a children’s board game.

    In a projected video, reflection on animal migration inspire the artist to traverse an imaginary course in a desert landscape. Without apparent destination, the artist makes her way around reflecting puddles and large piles of stones. Along this path are moments woven together to create a palette of familiar and sometimes fictional scenes. These symbolisms build to create a push/pull of enticement and repulsion while the continuation of time spins and weaves its patterns.

    Something of Three, video 14min 45 sec, 2022

    Installation includes: fresh oranges, antique wooden school chair/desk, archery arrows, sweet orange essential oil

    This work was featured in Hyperallergic (November, 27, 2023).

  • The Initiation, Georgetown Waterfront Park
    The Initiation, Georgetown Waterfront Park

    The Initiation is a sculptural/choral/performance piece that premiered on November 18, 2017 at the Georgetown Waterfront Park Labyrinth in Washington, DC. Four singers performed a 12 minute work that combines voice and glockenspiel keys to delve into a mythical narrative inspired by the underworld. This is the first of a four part production. The music was integrated into a life sized hut-like structure comprised of hand-built wooden ladders. The story and sculpture are by Dawn Whitmore, with the music by Stephen Gorbos. Performed by Deborah Sternberg, Rachel Evangeline Barham, Allison Clendaniel, and Shauna Kreidler Michels.

     

    This project is the first in a four-part series. The second part, Mirrored Play, will debut in Anne Arundel County in September 2026. It is being funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council.

  • Silence in the Spring
    Silence in the Spring

    The imagery within my paintings is drawn from imagination, medieval landscape and bestiary paintings, and elements of contemporary culture. Creatures and forms weave together in strange landscapes. Play and humor offset what are otherwise uncertain and daunting paths.

    This painting was acquired by the Commission on the Arts and Humanities of District of Columbia and installed at the DC Wellness Clinic.  The Center is the only DC government operated clinic that provides free HIV/STD care and treatment services. 

    Silence in the Spring, acrylic and gouache painting on canvas, 60"x40", 2022

  • Closely, in tight quarters

    Distorted human forms dance within a nebulous environment to a multilayered soundtrack. This work is a collaborative project with the Jane Franklin Dance Company. Closely, in tight quarters debuted in October 2025 at the SNF Parkway Theater as part of their Windows on North + Charles projection project. It is currently on view at the McLean Projects for the Arts (Virginia) in their exhibit PhotoGenesis 2 (November 2025-February 2026).

    Closely, in tight quarters, video, 1 min 45 sec, 2025

About Dawn

Dawn Whitmore is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the dynamics between mythology, play, and the natural world. Her work often combines elements of painting, sculpture, soundscape, video, and performance. Dawn received a BFA from the Corcoran School of Art in 2005. Her work has been shown nationally including: the Mesa Museum of Contemporary Art (AZ), Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (VA), Hemphill Fine Arts (DC), Area 405 (MD), Spring Gallery (NY) and published in The… more

Something of Three

Something of Three is an immersive video and sculpture installation exhibited at the Freight Gallery (Washington, DC) in 2022. The work explores the relationship between myth, reality and the journey that connects the two. The viewer is invited into a small space, a functioning historic freight elevator temporarily transformed into a gallery, and immersed in a journey reminiscent of the winding path of a children’s board game.

In a projected video, reflection on animal migration inspire the artist to traverse an imaginary course in a desert landscape. Without apparent destination, the artist makes her way around reflecting puddles and large piles of stones. Along this path are moments woven together to create a palette of familiar and sometimes fictional scenes. These symbolisms build to create a push/pull of enticement and repulsion while the continuation of time spins and weaves its patterns.

Something of Three, video 14min 45 sec, 2022

Installation includes: fresh oranges, antique wooden school chair/desk, archery arrows, sweet orange essential oil

This work was featured in Hyperallergic (November, 27, 2023).

  • Something of Three (installation view)
    Something of Three (installation view)
  • Something of Three (installation view)
    Something of Three (installation view)
  • Something of Three (installation view)
    Something of Three (installation view)

The Initiation, Georgetown Waterfront Park

The Initiation is a sculptural/choral/performance piece that premiered on November 18, 2017 at the Georgetown Waterfront Park Labyrinth in Washington, DC. Four singers performed a 12 minute work that combines voice and glockenspiel keys to delve into a mythical narrative inspired by the underworld. This is the first of a four part production. The music was integrated into a life sized hut-like structure comprised of hand-built wooden ladders. The story and sculpture are by Dawn Whitmore, with the music by Stephen Gorbos. Performed by Deborah Sternberg, Rachel Evangeline Barham, Allison Clendaniel, and Shauna Kreidler Michels.

  • The Initiation (Demo)

    33 hand-built wooden ladders form an eight foot structure for participants to enter. The audio is the demo track for the longer 12 minutes live performance. 

  • The Initiation (performance)

    The full performance recorded live at the labyrinth at Georgetown Waterfront Park, Washington, DC November 18, 2017. 

Human Nature

Human Nature is a video and sculpture installation that reflects on our relationship with nature. As the climate and natural world changes, our behaviors and relationships to nature are also changing. This installation was at the Hillyer Art Space in Washington, DC, February 2024.

This work is about calling out to nature in hopes of finding familiarity and reconnecting with ourselves and our environment. The installation blends a mix of humorous fairytale adventure and themes that prompt us to reflect on our ability to rewrite the old myth of how we engage and inhabit the natural world, into one that is more holistically evolved. 

Sugary confection marshmallows are used in the sculptures to represent lost knowledge to the natural world and in this case, medicinal herbs. Marshmallow is a marshy plant whose roots have long been used for medicinal properties.  The plant was used as a demulcent and treatment for burns in herbal traditions dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It wasn't until the late 1800's that it was manufactured as a sweet treat and sold for enjoyment. During this time it was discovered that using gelatin from animal bones was less expensive and easier than harvest than the plant itself. 

Human Nature, video, 10min 56 sec, 2024. 

Installation includes: video projection, soundscape, sculpture, 13' tree branch. 

  • Untitled #1 (Chair)
    Untitled #1 (Chair)

    Antique 19th century chair, marshmallows, monofilament, crystal beads, ribbon. Created in 2024. 

  • Untitled#2 (Watchtower)
    Untitled#2 (Watchtower)

    Vintage dollhouse, marshmallows, rebar, custom designed wallpaper, tiny wooden chair. Created in 2024. 

  • Human Nature (installation view)
    Human Nature (installation view)

    Installation view, Hillyer Art Space, Washington, DC, 2024.