ALL ABOUT THE EYE

A particular bit of gossip started when people thought the site was slated to become a parking garage. Whispers spread that the city nixed the industrial structure—saying it would become “an eyesore”—and so Eye was a giant response to that. (Totally untrue, by the way, but it is obviously eye-catching.)

Puns aside, the 30-foot-tall fiberglass, resin, and steel sculpture is a replica of American multimedia artist Tony Tasset’s own eye. Referencing everything from a pharaoh’s eye, a Masonic eye, and the eye of “Big Brother,” the piece ultimately means “whatever you want,” says the artist. “Eye is one of those images that has taken on a number of meanings over the years—God and consciousness are just two of them.” 

Originally commissioned as part of the Chicago Loop Alliance’s Art Loop program, Eye made its debut in the Windy City’s Pritzker Park in 2010 before arriving in its new Dallas home three years later. Since then, it has become the city’s most unique private event space and the site of the annual Dallas Art Fair’s closing soiree The Eye Ball, along with countless weddings, parties, yoga classes, and selfies. Sign up to receive emails from 1530 Main to be first to know about the next event at The Eye! Interested in hosting your own event? Email events@thejouledallas.com to inquire.

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The Details: Join the 2,000+  admirers who’ve posted their view of the work by tagging #eyeatthejoule.