wavelength

Wavelength has been conceived by the artist as an installation of related objects, each made by hand and placed within this vitrine to become a small place that might conjure a sense of wonder.

Together they read as a constellation of associations across the materiality of glass and the way we have sought to observe and understand the unknowable of space.

She completed Honours in Glass and her choice of degree specialisation came early following an internship at the ANU School of Art and Design while still at high school in Canberra. As the recipient of the 2018 ANU School of Art and Design CMAG Emerging Artist Support Scheme, Nucifora-Ryan has been mentored throughout the year to present this work.

This early fascination with the scientific, mercurial and alchemical nature of glass deepened during her studies and she recalls that a turning point in her work came from undertaking an environmental course which took students walking and camping on nearby Yuin country. The experience of quietly contemplating the night sky without ‘light pollution’ led to the development of this astronomical imagery that she has then abstracted and refined.

Here sit blown orbs with their subtle variations of red and blue lustre, a strip of neon is suspended comet-like behind a kiln formed slab of glass, revealing a myriad of trapped air bubbles floating in suspension like stars, spheres of solid glass refract light and delicately incised blocks stand solidly like an ancient tablet.

- Virginia Rigney, curator

Wavelength was exhibited at Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) from 9 November 2019 to 14 March 2020.

https://www.cmag.com.au/exhibitions/wavelength