Review of the 2024 FUSE Glass Prize Exhibition

Clare Belfrage, In the Glow of Green Collection, 2023 blown glass with cane drawing, sandblasted and pumice polished, 1590 x 350 x 440 mm Photo: Pippy Mount

20 September, 2024

By Jiangpu Zheng

Established in 2016, the FUSE Glass Prize has illuminated the art scenes of Australia and New Zealand for nearly 18 years. The current exhibition at the ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, runs from August 8th to September 6th, showcasing 18 finalist works from the FUSE Glass Prize competition. This exhibition brings together a multitude of talented artists who, through high-temperature glass fusion, have created a series of vibrant and poetic artworks, each displaying diverse colors and textures. It not only demonstrates the boundless possibilities of glass artistry and technique but also explores the intricate relationships among light, color, and space. Moreover, many works deeply integrate interdisciplinary theories from sociology, philosophy, and beyond. Through these pieces, artists engage in profound reflections on life, time, and the complexities of nature, leaving viewers with both visual and intellectual awe.

Astounding Craftsmanship and Innovation

The exhibition is undeniably breathtaking, with each piece showcasing the skill and creativity of its artists. The intricate craft of glass fusion—melding layers of glass together by heating them to their melting point—is masterfully displayed throughout the show. The delicate manipulation of this medium is evident in every subtle texture and form, prompting viewers to marvel at the technical prowess and artistry required for such creations. For example, works like Tom Moore's 2024 FUSE Glass Prize-winning piece has an innovative shape that attracts audiences to take a closer look and shocks them with the clever use of spiral pattern decoration. The shape combines animal features and human palms in a mischievous and humorous style. Such elements not only intrigue viewers about the glass-making process but also provoke contemplation on how such fragile material can be transformed into resilient and expressive artworks.

Display of natural themes

One of the most striking features of the exhibition for me, is its exquisite use of natural themes. Given my perception of nature as ethereal and soft, I rarely imagine how glass—a hard material—could convey a sense of naturalness. Yet, several works in the exhibition achieve this through the medium of glass. Many artists' uses of color, shape, and form immediately evokes associations with the natural world. Organic lines, gentle curves, and earthy tones seem to emanate tranquility and beauty from nature, offering viewers a sense of comfort and acceptance. Notably, Clare Belfrage and Kirstie Rea's works stand out for their adept capture of nature's essence. Belfrage's pieces, with their delicate filamentous textures and soft colors, reflect the intricate details often overlooked in natural environments. They not only embody nature's beauty but also its fragility and resilience. The "In the Glow of Green Collection, 2023" made by Clare Belfrage, consists of seven uniquely sized and shaped pieces strategically arranged to create a harmonious display. The predominant green hues evoke a strong sense of natural ambiance, prompting viewers to ponder whether the work draws inspiration 

from nature or expresses thoughts related to it. The ceramic-like appearance further intrigues viewers about how glass can evoke such distinctive sensations. The third piece from the right even conveys a visual sensation of moss growing on tree roots. Each piece features unique patterns—some resembling willow branches dancing in the wind, others resembling dandelion-like plants or jellyfish—suggesting traces of time passing. In the exhibition's introduction to the artwork, the work is described as: “This piece was made in response to a research period spent in the rainforests of Eastern Australia. In a dim light that glowed green, the vibrancy of surface growths and coverings, particularly moss, lichen and bark are astoundingly beautiful. It is about the layering of time, the life, death and decay, and re-generation that is ever present in the rainforest landscape. Expressing our connection to the natural world is as important as ever, but perhaps with a new kind of urgency attached. I am moved and inspired by forces in nature that are quiet and gentle, powerful and profound.” [1]

Kirstie Rea's piece, "To Flourish 6, 2024," features a "folded" glass resembling a leaf, predominantly in soft greens with gradient tones. The shape is fluid and elegant, with the glass cleverly folded and curved to resemble a leaf gently swaying in the wind. The glass's translucency adds a sense of lightness, evoking the delicacy and fragility of natural leaves. The folds and curves impart a dynamic quality, as if dancing in a breeze. The green tones and leaf-like form naturally suggest plant growth and the vitality of the natural world. The piece conveys tranquility and harmony through its soft colors and flowing curves, allowing viewers to experience the wonder and beauty of nature. The contrast between the hard glass material and its soft appearance provokes reflection, making the piece visually captivating. The description on exhibition label highlights the artist’s inspiration from nature: “Complexity and variety nourished with effort and return, a reminder of the importance for daily connections to our natural world. This work abstracts the awe and surprise that is found in nature, in the garden, things that delight and offer us a sense of wonder." [2]

Ecofeminism and Women Artists' Perception of Nature

A common thread between the works is that they are created by women-identifying artists, many of whom have explored natural themes in recent years. This trend aligns with ecofeminism, which posits that women often have a unique and profound connection with nature. This connection is not just subject to the same social oppression, but also reflects a deep understanding and resonance with the natural world, both aesthetically and emotionally.  

I believe that Belfrage and Rea's works exemplify this connection. Their glass artworks, with their delicacy, sensitivity, and reverence for nature, suggest an artistic expression that goes beyond the visual, delving into philosophical and environmental ethics. It is a powerful reminder of the important role female artists play in raising awareness about ecological issues and advocating for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.

Conclusion

The 2024 FUSE Glass Prize exhibition is a testament to the evolving art of glass fusion, glassblowing, glass painting and other glass making techniques expanding the expressive boundaries of this medium. The exhibition not only showcases exceptional craftsmanship but also emphasizes significant themes of art, nature, time, and gender. It leaves a lasting impression, and it also provokes deep reflection on the underlying messages within the works, while inspiring admiration for the artists' technical skills. With its focus on nature and the contributions of female artists, the exhibition offers a profound and timely exploration of our connection to the natural world.

[1] Fuse Glass Prize. "2024 Finalists." Accessed August 28, 2024. https://www.fuseglassprize.com/fuse-news/2024-finalists.

[2] Fuse Glass Prize. "2024 Finalists." Accessed August 28, 2024. https://www.fuseglassprize.com/fuse-news/2024-finalists.