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Fahler’s slouched “flag” is one of a number of recent stained glass sculptures on view in his solo exhibition at Sebastian Gladstone.
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“give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door” (2023), chain-link fence, steel, stained glass, lead, and aluminum, 48 x 38 x 6 inches. All images courtesy of the artist and Sebastian Gladstone Gallery, shared with permission
Timo Fahler’s Stained-Glass Sculptures Question Symbols and Curtailed Freedoms
February 5, 2025
ArtSocial Issues
Kate Mothes
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The creation of stained glass can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome, but we most often associate it with its popularity in Western Christianity, as in the biblical narratives adorning chapels and cathedrals. For Timo Fahler, this tradition forms the foundation of a multimedia practice influenced by Mesoamerican codice imagery, national symbols, and motifs found in older European churches.
Stained glass is a “storytelling medium in which I get to draw from everything I experience, everything I study, read, believe in, and even distrust,” Fahler tells Colossal. “We are floating in a unique era of questioning reality, the last gasp of the living generation before automation integrates itself via AI, ChatGPT, and digital interface.” He views his practice as depicting this era and even, in a way, immortalizing it.
“topos haliaíetos for the bald eagle; topos chrysaetos for the gold eagle/Mexico” (2023), steel, cast iron, stained glass, lead, tin, and obsidian, 27 x 41 x 2 inches
Fahler first worked with lampworking glass while studying ceramics at the Kansas City Art Institute, which sparked an ongoing interest in the medium. Recently, he began incorporating it into what he calls “rebar drawings,” which form the foundation of much of his work. “I was curious about letting the unpredictability of light become a part of the ‘materials’ I work with,” the artist says.
Many of Fahler’s sculptures are framed or supported by heavy-duty metals like rusted steel, iron fences, and gates. Stained glass hovers a few inches from the wall, casting colorful shadows. For his most recent works, Fahler places barriers atop the glass to consider not only the viewer’s relationship to the image but also the implications of people being barred from freedoms and knowledge. “I draw from a lot of different sources—historical, mythological, and fantastical—all of which encompass my ‘heritage,’” the artist says.
In a piece titled after the poem “New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, which is carved in bronze on the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, Fahler uses a gate to frame a detail of Lady Liberty’s arm constructed of tiny glass squares soldered to the facets of a chain-link fence. Historically a potent symbol of welcome, amnesty, and inclusiveness, the statue in this context references how today, new immigrants’ access is more troubled and often blocked.
Serpents, dragons, eagles, and landscapes merge with realistic portraits and references to historical moments and national emblems, like Mexico’s crest featuring a golden eagle on a cactus with a snake in its talons. The image centers on the nation’s flag, representing the resilience, bravery, and spirit of the Mexican people. Echoing his representation of the Statue of Liberty, the icon is barricaded, merging with iron bars.
“I against i” (2024), found fence, steel, stained glass, grisaille, glass, and lead, 53.5 x 53 x 7 inches. Photo by Nick Massey
Fahler is currently working on a solo presentation with Sebastian Gladstone this autumn. He and his family just moved to Amsterdam, where he shares he’s beginning from a “zero-point/clean canvas” in a new studio, and he plans to explore ideas around the complexities of sovereignty, expatriation, and a quickly evolving global society.
“The world is changing so quickly that we cannot collectively understand, let alone keep up with it!” he says. “I’m excited to be working on all of that and look forward to the body of work that depicts it.”
Find more on Fahler’s website and Instagram.
“two-headed serpent” (2023), mirror steel, cast iron, stained glass, copper, and lead, 30 x 45 x 4 inches
“fever dream” (2024), found gate, steal, stained glass, grisaille, and lead, 32 x 84 x 6 inches. Photo by Nick Massey
“twin serpents” (2024), steel, stained glass, lead, and rebar, 70 x 64 x 64 inches. Photo by Nick Massey
“Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099)” (2023), fence, steel, stained glass, and lead, 64 x 59.5 x 3.5 inches
“copper zen mountain” (2023), rebar steel, stained glass, lead, and copper, 30 x 40 x 6 inches
“code switching” (2024), found chain-link fence, steel, stained glass, and lead, 64 x 48 x 8 inches
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All images courtesy of Soeun Lee, shared with permission
In the Mood for Food, Soeun Lee Solders Vibrant Stained Glass Visions of Comfort
October 31, 2024
ArtCraft
Kate Mothes
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Drawing on her background in illustration, Soeun Lee captures atmospheric tableaux of sunny breakfasts and relaxing reading spots in stained glass. A fried egg in a pan, an open book left on a table, or a full cup of coffee next to a plate of toast suggest someone is nearby, just out of the frame.
“I play around with things that hint at a personal presence, like an empty chair, a book, or a mug,” Lee tells Colossal. “I want the viewer to be able to sense the lingering traces of a conversation or thought that occurred just moments before.”
Nodding to the deep shadows of Edward Hopper’s “Chop Suey” or Wayne Thiebaud’s baked confections, Lee’s compositions draw on similar themes and emphasize contrast to create each interior’s mood. “Many of my pieces draw inspiration from classic American diners, which evoke a sense of familiarity and warmth for everyone,” she says, “whether they are newcomers or lifelong residents.”
The notion of comfort runs through much of Lee’s work, especially through the subtopic of food. Stacks of pancakes or toast are lit by the morning sun through nearby windows or an open refrigerator illuminates its contents. This play on light continues by way of the medium itself, activated by the sun shining through the panes to brighten vibrant colors.
“Many of my designs cast long shadows, evoking the time of day, whether it’s the very early morning light or the warm glow of sunset,” she says. “I choose the colors to reflect that mood. Early mornings evoke a sense of hope and the promise of a new day, while shadows from a sunset remind me to find down, reflect, and find rest.”
Lee is currently working on new pieces, which she will make available on her website. Follow Instagram for updates.
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Art
Craft
#beetles
#butterflies
#glass
#insects
#Melanie
#moths
#stained glass
January 20, 2023
Grace Ebert More
Art
Craft
#glass
#light
#sculpture
#stained glass
#wood
October 27, 2021
Grace Ebert
All images © Louise Durham, shared with permission
Based in the coastal town of Shoreham-by-Sea, England, artist Louise Durham creates towering wooden sculptures of reclaimed sea defense timber and vibrant stained glass. She embeds stripes and circles in a full spectrum of color within the totem-style works, which when illuminated, cast kaleidoscopic shadows on their surroundings. “It is all about the light,” she says. “That’s the magic of glass and the magic of all living things.”
In a note to Colossal, Durham explains that she utilizes traditional leaded light techniques, along with fusing and slumping—these involve connecting two pieces together and melting the material in a mold, respectively—to create bisected circles and asymmetric stripes. Shen then arranges the translucent elements in gradients and rainbow-like columns and leaves the rugged edges and knots of the repurposed wood visible. “Even having all the colors of glass laid out in front of me on my cutting table is enough to make me feel good, and I think that’s why the work is so popular. Color makes us feel good,” she shares. “I try not to interfere too much on an intellectual level. The work is definitely not from the head and totally and utterly from my heart.”
You can find more of Durham’s brilliant sculptures on her site and Instagram. (via Women’s Art)
#glass
#light
#sculpture
#stained glass
#wood
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