Art of Glass 2018

Venue

The National Centre for Craft & Design

When

Audience

Open to the Public

Art of Glass

The National Centre for Craft & Design

20 October 2018 – 20 January 2019

Following its hugely popular exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, this Autumn The National Centre for Craft & Design is proud to present Art of Glass. The exhibition explores the work of artists embracing the medium of glass in innovative and exciting ways, challenging the perception of glass as merely a material for creating functional objects. Presented in partnership with National Museums Scotland, Art of Glass showcases 15 leading and emerging glass artists working in Britain today. 20 Oct 2018 – 20 Jan 2019.

Works presented in the exhibition use glass in a wide variety of ways and there is great diversity in the presentation from neon to stained glass. The multiple techniques for working the medium are also evident, from hot glass studio works and those that have been kiln cast, through to pieces produced using new technologies such as waterjet cutting and 3D printing.

Since the Studio Glass Movement of the 1960s, Britain has had a significant impact on how glass is perceived as an art form. Both national and international artists have based themselves here, drawn to the teaching and world-renowned facilities the UK offers. Art of Glass is a moment in time for the artform and an opportunity to showcase leading contemporary artists within the field of glass across the UK, from isolated rural studios to busy urban locations.

The scale of the gallery space at The National Centre for Craft & Design has provided opportunities to expand the Art of Glass showcase and present pieces not previously seen at the National Museum of Scotland. Previously unseen works by Erin Dickenson and the renowned English sculptor, Emma Woffenden (shortlisted for the V&A Woman’s Hour Craft Prize 2017), Rhian Hâf, Helen Maurer and Richard Wheater will all feature.

Other highlights include: The Glass Cyphers (Griet Bayert and Paul Miller) using glass sculpture, sound and projection mapping to produce immersive installation pieces. Pinkie Maclure’s Beauty Tricks is a strikingly modern piece of stained glass which critiques the human and environmental impact of the beauty industry and the pressure women sometimes place on themselves and their daughters. The National Centre for Craft & Design is pleased to welcomeback Edinburgh-based Geoffrey Mann who previously delighted visitors with work in 3D Printing: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful. Mann presents Leith Pattern for Art of Glass, exploring the urban myth that the standard wine bottle was originally designed and produced by Leith Glassworks.

Clare Edwards, Director at The National Centre for Craft & Design said:

‘Art of Glass is a chance to re-evaluate our understanding of the role of glass as an artistic medium. It is fascinating to see the inspirations and techniques employed by some of the UK’s most talented contemporary glass artists, who are taking the artform forward through innovation in concept and execution.’

To complement Art of Glass, The National Centre for Craft & Design presents a season of exhibitions dedicated to the artform. Colour & Form (10 Nov 2018 – 6 Jan 2019) showcases the very best in decorative and functional glassware selected from makers within the Design-Nation portfolio. Glassumimass (10 Nov 2018 – 6 Jan 2019), presented by artsNK, is a collection of community made, kiln formed, stained glass lanterns inspired by churches found between Sleaford and Lincoln. The name Glassumimass comes from the words ‘glass’, ‘illumination’ and ‘mass’. A festival of glass takes place on the weekend of 10 and 11 Nov complementing the exhibitions with special talks, workshops, masterclasses and family friendly activities.

Art of Glass draws on a significant investigation of artists in glass working in Britain today, carried out by The National Centre for Craft & Design and National Museums Scotland.

Art of Glass is supported by Art Fund through a Jonathan Ruffer Curatorial Grant.

Artists: