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See glass in a different light

artists, spaces

26 March 2010

The last 50 years has seen the elevation of glass as a new form of contemporary art. "10 Contemporary Australian Artists: A glass act", currently showing at Australian Galleries in Collingwood (Melbourne), is an exhibition of sculptural glass curated by Sandy Benjamin and Caroline Field.

Having worked with many of the artists exhibiting in this show (and also sold their works), I totally understand the aim of "A glass act": to bring contemporary Australian glass to the attention of connoisseurs of fine art. We always speak about painters, printmakers and sculptors; we tend to forget about the talented glass artists.

Many of our Australian glass artists are highly respected and sought after in the United States, Europe and Japan. I salute Australian Galleries for engaging Sandy Benjamin, who is one of the most educated, talented and passionate collectors in glass in Australia.

Highlight Among the 10 artists, the highlight for me was Mel Douglas.

Mel Douglas's "slow process of construction and realisation manifests in the finished blown and engraved object". The result is a dark, beautifully shaped object that is still and silent. The engraving of the line is repetitious, meditative and precise.

If you have time, make room to pop into Australian Galleries to view this outstanding exhibition and to see glass in a different light.

What: "10 Contemporary Australian Artists: A glass act"
When: until 28 March 2010 (Friday and Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 12pm to 5pm)
Where: 50 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC (view location on Google Maps)