What does it mean to see through time? How do these vessels carry the passage of time?
SEEING THROUGH VESSELS is an exhibition of over 80 Western glass vessels, from ancient civilizations to modernity. The exhibition draws attention to the transparency of glass, using it as a metaphor for viewing the passage of time. These vessels, once integral to daily life and now carefully preserved, serve as tangible connections to the past, bridging centuries through material and form. The transparency of the glass evokes the way we reflect on our own histories, tracing the paths we have traveled while holding fragments of the past in view.
Cataloguing Objects
The objects displayed in this exhibition are drawn from the extensive glass collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. From hundreds of pieces in their archive, I carefully selected and cataloged items based on their time period and place of origin. The final selection is organized into three distinct eras of the Western world, each highlighting unique styles and techniques of glassmaking. These periods not only illustrate the evolving craftsmanship but also provide a glimpse into the everyday lives and cultures of their respective times.
Unrolled Elevation
Plan and Materials
These materials are chosen to echo the delicate translucency of the displayed glass objects and create a sense of lightness. Each material is colorless and offers a unique texture and degree of translucency, layering depth without distracting from the vessels but instead enhancing their presence.
Navigating the Exhibition
Entrance: Upon entering, viewers are invited to experience the exhibition as a cohesive whole, through the transparency of the materials. Natural light streams through large windows, illuminating the vibrant colors of the glass and infusing the space with a dynamic, radiant atmosphere.
Interior: The gallery’s interior is designed to be flooded with natural light, streaming in through expansive windows. This abundance of light enhances the glass objects, amplifying their luminosity through reflections and refractions. The interaction between light and the clear material emphasizes the transparency and brilliance of the pieces on display.
Axonometric Diagram
Renders
Physical Model