ANNA SKIBSKA
STRUCTURE OF TIME
July 5 – July 28
opening reception: Thursday, July 5, 5-8pm
Skibska explores the structure of time and space through her trademark compositions of geometric glass elements. The sculptures included in this exhibition are comprised of intricately fused geodesic thin glass threads, make quiet reference to familiar forms, like trees, clouds, or stars. These fragile lightweight forms celebrate a nuanced illusory beauty, too, suggesting very little about their specific physical condition and prompting us to consider the harmony of a subjective consciousness.
Aside from the obvious characteristics of the glass medium, such as translucent texture and flexibility achieved by lampworking, these suspended architectural forms of myriad glass configurations challenge the traditional perception of sculptural mass and positioning. The overall see-through quality in contrast to its internal structural pressure poses a stimulating conversation between density and volume, defying the conventional construct of sculptures as grounded forms. In addition, this new body of work humorously addresses the concern regarding the fragility of Skibska’s design. One poignant piece, a large solid stone resting upon a pillow-shaped glass structure, sheds new light on the structural integrity of her work. It allows us to gain a more insightful understanding of the complex engineering behind each construction’s exceptional ability to sustain external pressure.
Skibska studied at the Academy of Art in Wroclaw, Poland. In 1992, she was the youngest artist invited to the National Museum in Wroclaw for an individual exhibition. She moved to the USA in the late 90s, and had a solo exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum, and in 2002 she was invited to present her work at Fondacione Bevilaqua la Masa in Venice. In 2004, the flameworking studio in Pratt Fine Arts Center (Seattle, Washington) was officially named the Anna Skibska Flameworking Studio. The same year, Anna was awarded the Honeycomb Award in Poland.
For additional information, please contact Traver Gallery at 206.587.6501 or info@travergallery.com