Amanda Ross-Ho

Amanda Ross-Ho is an artist known for her innovative approach to site-specific works that capture the essence of cultural and historical landmarks. She delves deeply into her subjects through meticulous and thoughtful practice, creating large-scale pieces that resonate with the public. Her ability to transform ordinary objects into profound statements about collective memory and tradition has made her a celebrated figure in contemporary art.

In her latest project, Untitled Core Sample (THE FENCE), Ross-Ho pays tribute to a cherished tradition at Carnegie Mellon University. The Fence, established in 1923, has long been a communal canvas for students to express their ideas and engage with campus life. By extracting a cylindrical core sample from this landmark, Ross-Ho encapsulates the accumulated layers of paint from 1993 to 2023, turning them into a visual timeline that reflects decades of student expression. This enlarged bronze sculpture is a permanent monument to the dynamic and evolving student community, preserving a century of collective creativity and dialogue.

UAP collaborated with Ross-Ho to bring this intricate project to life, from 3D scanning of the original core sample to the final bronze casting and painting. Our team worked to replicate the original paint layers' intricate textures and vibrant colours, using a trompe-l'oeil technique to create a realistic illusion of the accumulated surface. Once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as "The Most Painted Object in the World," The Fence collapsed in 1993 under its own weight and was rebuilt with steel and concrete. We are proud to have supported the artist's vision and helped create a meaningful piece that invites viewers to explore the layers of history and memory embedded in CMU's campus culture.