Celebrating Pride, Perspectives, and Diversity Through Art

Anthony Grey is the artist behind Prism of Perspectives, a Pride art installation that is currently on display in the lobby of DAHLIN’s Pleasanton office. As a member of the firm's DEI team, he established an annual Pride art exhibit through his vision, passion, and leadership. We interviewed Anthony to learn more about what inspired him.

Where did the idea of a Pride art installation come from?

When we started the DEI team at DAHLIN, we discussed how we show and celebrate our inclusivity and diversity. At that time, DAHLIN had made public statements of support and recognized Pride month with a Pride flag version of our logo, which I thought was great, and I also wanted to do something that would promote conversation. I thought about the power of art to promote the kind of dialogue that can lead to learning and greater understanding, and I created an art installation to display in our lobby that clients and employees would see and ask questions about.

With the DEI team's and DAHLIN leadership's support, I organized a team of DAHLIN employees to contribute their ideas to the piece's vision and help bring that vision to life.

What was your vision for Prism of Perspectives??

I wanted to create an interactive experience that conceptually conveys differing perspectives to foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Like a prism that reveals the colors of the rainbow when light shines through it, this piece is constructed of ten 4-foot by 6-foot transparent acrylic panels that reveal the colors of the Progress Pride Flag , with each color having a specific meaning behind it. In a literal sense, when you stand in front of one of these panels, there is a filter applied out in the world, and the idea is that when you do this, you are looking at the world through someone else’s perspective.

How do you see this piece living over time?

The panels' mobility allows for multiple configurations, symbolizing our communities' ever-changing nature of diversity. Right now, it is in our lobby, but I envision moving it to different spaces over time, allowing viewers to interact with it in new ways. There is diversity all around us.

How has this been received by others at DAHLIN and beyond?

The reception has been great, both inside of DAHLIN and outside of DAHLIN. Through this process, I have been able to connect with my colleagues in a new way. I have seen the pride in many of my colleagues as they take photos of it and share it with the people they know, and by doing so, they also have been able to connect to people in new ways. I know the conversations we wanted to create are happening, and I am proud to work for a company and with colleagues who have supported this vision.

I also want to thank and recognize the team that created Prism of Perspectives: Adam Ohashi, Alexis Ashley, Brett Petty, De Huynh, Ethan Barreto, George Tertrou, Jaime Matheron, Jordan Young, and Shikha Subramanian.