Contemporary Danish Glass

15 September - 19 November 2005

 

The Scandinavian season at flow will continue from 15th September with the opening of a show of contemporary glass from Denmark.


In Denmark there are over one hundred glass studios producing exciting work, representing a vibrant contemporary glass scene in a country of only five million.


Frequent exhibitions are organised by the national glass museum in Ebeltoft in Jutland, which has a wide ranging collection of Danish Glass.


The glass show at Flow will feature the work of seven makers using glass in very different ways: Trine Drivsholm, Torben Jørgensen, Anja Kjær, Charlie Meaker, Stig Persson, Lulu Sylvest and Lotte Thorsøe.


Trine Drivsholm is particularly interested in the tactile aspect that makes the viewer want to "see" with his fingers. The colours and textures of her organic, yet, classic vessels explore her fascination with the connection between form and structure and reflect the influence of working overlooking the sea at Ebeltoft.

 

 

Stig Persson uses glass casting to create sculptural simplicity using almost minimalist forms to produce sculptures, dishes, bowls and wall installations. Typically, he uses crystal which is cast into sheets that are then slumped over a given form. Persson's expressive work rejects practically all references to glass tradition and conveys a powerful presence.

 

 

Lulu Sylvest, a graduate from the Royal College of Art, is primarily concerned with the visual dialogue between form, function and material. Her work emphasises the beauty and strength of glass using pure harmonious forms and gentle colours.

 

 

Torben Jørgensen considers his relationship with glass to be a collaborative one - 'I need it to be willing to do what I ask it, but I must accept the kiln has license to change what I initially expected'. His work utilises the curved lines which occur naturally as part of the process of firing.

 

 

Lotte Thorsøe integrates form, colour and texture in a way that appeals to both the eyes and the hands. Working in hot glass, blowing as well as sculpting, she adds finishes through cutting, sand blasting and polishing. 'The glass often reveals new paths as I begin to work with it. If I keep an open mind, this can be very inspiring-launching completely new ideas for one off pieces or new product lines.

 

 

Anja Kjær is considered to be one of the most successful and skilful glass designers in Denmark. Her signature collection includes vessels decorated with roses and leaves, and her flamboyant use of glass and colour combines a quality of timelessness and bold Nordic simplicity.

 

 

Charlie Meaker who teaches glass at the Art School in Copenhagen as well as running a studio on the idyllic island of Bornholm is continually amazed by the alchemy of glass. He says; its perfectly clear, glass is a gift from the gods!

 


The popular myth is plausible, build a fire on the salt flat and mix sand, soda, and heat. What do you have? Glass!

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