Glass in the Expanded Field

February 7, 2022

In the first half of the twentieth century, American glassmaking was limited primarily to factories where workers produced multiples of the same object. Then in the 1960s, the American studio glass movement was born. Focusing on one of a kind objects that highlighted the unique qualities of glass, the early years of the movement set the tone for creative exploration of the material and its artistic capabilities.

The modern studio glass movement now consists of a diverse grouping of people and perspectives that is the antithesis of the traditional factory production system. Embracing a medium that is defined by opposing terms – hot and cold, liquid and solid, strong and fragile, transparent and opaque – and showcasing work by artists of different backgrounds, Glass in the Expanded Field celebrates the complementary nature of opposites.

Emphasizing the complexity and breadth of glass art and the glass community, the artists in this exhibition use process and concept to challenge the material’s limits. Raghvi BhatiaScout CartagenaAndrew Erdos, and Sharyn O’Mara investigate the connections between past and present while Sarah Blood and Evan Voelbel highlight the blurred line between illusion and reality.

All of the artists presented here follow the revolutionary footsteps of the founders of the American studio glass movement, acknowledging its roots in craft while challenging its limits. Vastly different art pieces, unified by material, question the often-prevailing opinion that glass is simply a medium to create objects for function and decoration. Here, we invite the viewer to consider glass as an expressive, conceptual, and complicated medium, and to question alongside the artist: “What is glass art?”

Caitlin Vitalo, Curator

Glass in the Expanded Field includes work by:

Raghvi Bhatia
Sarah Blood
Scout Cartagena
Kate Clements
Deborah Czeresko
Dan Coyle
Andrew Erdos
Eric Goldschmidt
Jessica Jane Juliu

Sharyn O’Mara
Ben Orozco
Yixuan Pan
Matthew Day Perez
Angus Powers
David Schnuckel
Kimberly Thomas
Evan Voelbel

View our special event, “Pipe Art: Understudied Glass,” in conjunction with this exhibition:

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In addition to inspiring people with our classes, we spark imaginations with world-class art installed on our terrace and in our galleries. We maintain the beautiful stone mill that deepens your ties with the past and provide a gathering place for your family and friends on the Toshiko Takaezu Terrace. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation so that we may continue educating, challenging, and inspiring community through the arts.

The Hunterdon Art Museum is barrier-free and accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may contact the Museum through the New Jersey Relay Service at (TTY) 1 (800) 852-7899. Visit our Accessibility page for complete information.

Programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Hyde and Watson Foundation; The Large Foundation; and The Holt Foundation, along with other corporations, foundations, and individuals. 

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