Glassmaking is a collaborative art form that has historically excluded artists of color. In a groundbreaking exhibition at Corning Museum of Glass, titled 'Disclosure: The Whiteness of Glass,' the artist collective Related Tactics sheds light on this systemic exclusion. Through poetic prompts and glass artworks created by women artists, the exhibition challenges the power dynamics and invites us to reconsider the collective nature of glassmaking. Join us on a journey to explore the intersection of race and art in the glass field.
The Collective Nature of Glassmaking
Explore the collaborative process of glassmaking and its inherent collectivity.
Glassmaking is a unique art form that requires a joint effort. The journey from molten malleability to firm translucence emerges from collective hot shop hours. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared knowledge and skills of artists.
However, throughout history, not every artist has been welcomed into this shared ritual. Artists of color have been systematically excluded from the field of glass, despite the medium's inherent collectivity. This exclusion has resulted in a lack of representation and diversity within the glassmaking community.
At the Corning Museum of Glass, the exhibition 'Disclosure: The Whiteness of Glass' sheds light on this historic exclusion. Through poetic prompts and glass artworks created by women artists, the exhibition challenges the power dynamics and invites us to reconsider the collective nature of glassmaking.
Unveiling the Exclusion of Artists of Color
Delve into the research conducted by the artist collective Related Tactics on the systematic exclusion of Black artists and curators from the glass field.
Related Tactics, a collective composed of Michele Carlson, Weston Teruya, and Nate Watson, conducted extensive research on the exclusion of Black artists and curators from the glass field. Their findings revealed an almost non-existent Black presence in the practice, sparking the need for an exhibition to address this issue.
The exhibition at Corning Museum of Glass showcases the collective's research through illustrations and written prompts by artists and thinkers such as Einar & Jamex de la Torre, Ché Rhodes, and Cheryl Derricotte. These prompts served as inspiration for glass artworks created by six all-women artists, including Vanessa German, Pearl Dick, and Raya Friday.
By bringing attention to the historic exclusion of artists of color, the exhibition aims to create awareness and promote inclusivity within the glass field.
The Power of Visual Dialogue
Discover the visual dialogue between illustrations, prompts, and glass artworks in the exhibition.
The exhibition 'Disclosure: The Whiteness of Glass' presents a unique visual dialogue between illustrations, prompts, and glass artworks. The illustrations by Related Tactics serve as a bridge between the research findings and the artistic responses.
One example is an illustration featuring three black squares enveloping a pile of black lines. The accompanying prompt by Cheryl Derricotte instructs the artist to pick a dark-colored glass, something hard to see through. The resulting glass artwork by Pearl Dick is a vertical sequence of black-colored ornate forms, symbolizing the tension between opacity and transparency.
This visual dialogue highlights the complexities and challenges faced by artists of color in the glass field, inviting viewers to reflect on the power dynamics within the art world.
The Strength and Fragility of Glass
Explore the juxtaposition of strength and fragility embodied within glass artworks.
Glass, as a medium, embodies both strength and fragility. This duality is evident in the glass artworks created by the women artists in response to the prompts.
Kimberly Thomas's artwork, a precarious mount of tiny glass chairs, responds to an instruction suggesting strength and solidity. The tension in the physical work mirrors the affirmative words, creating a powerful visual representation of resilience.
Throughout the exhibition, the contrast between the strength of blown glass and its inherent fragility serves as a metaphor for the challenges and impossibilities endured by artists of color in the glass field.
A Call for Inclusivity
Reflect on the importance of inclusivity and the need for change within the glassmaking community.
'Disclosure: The Whiteness of Glass' at the Corning Museum of Glass serves as a call for inclusivity and change within the glassmaking community. By shedding light on the historic exclusion of artists of color, the exhibition challenges the status quo and advocates for a more diverse and representative field.
Through the power of art, the exhibition invites viewers to question existing power dynamics and engage in conversations about inclusivity and equity. It is a reminder that collective efforts are needed to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for artists of all backgrounds.
As we explore the intersection of race and art in the glass field, let us envision a future where diversity thrives and the glassmaking community embraces the contributions of artists of color.
