Kirra Galleries

Glass Artist, Emma Varga, celebrates 40 years of making glass

Antarctica I by Emma Varga - Multiple layered, fused and cold worked glass 

 

Antarctica II by Emma Varga - Multiple layered, fused and cold worked glass

ANTARCTICA - ICEBERGS A solo exhibition by Emma Varga

18 JULY 2013 TO 12 AUGUST 2013 

This solo exhibition has been inspired by Emma Varga's recent study tour of Antarctica, developing new ideas through drawings, photography and a life changing experience.

Emma is fascinated by the clarity and transparency of glass and the ability to capture the beauty of Antarctica's wild environment in her work.

Emma Varga in Antarctica 

This is also a milestone year for Emma as she is celebrating 40 years of working as a glass artist, having started working with glass in 1973 as a 3rd year student at the University of Applied Arts in Belgrade, and graduating in 1975.

Emma moved to Australia in 1995 and as the plane flew over the coastal areas and the desert areas of Central Australia she knew that this was the place where she would find endless inspiration for her work.

Emma's multiple layer fusing technique enables her to create and gain control over three-dimensional images enclosed within her sculptures - it takes two weeks to fire and slowly cool down large sculptural works, then a further two weeks to grind and polish all of the surfaces to perfection.

She is passionate about her art and is constantly sharing her extensive knowledge at workshops in Australia and overseas.

EMMA VARGA CV

The exhibition will be opened by Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director, Kirra Galleries. Please join us on Thursday 18 July 2013 to meet Emma and view the remarkable work.

Antarctica - Icebergs Exhibition Opening: Thursday 18 July 2013 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Kirra Galleries - Fed Square
Enter via Atrium Cnr. Swanston & Flinders Streets Melbourne
Phone: 03 9639 6388
www.kirragalleries.com
Open 7 days a week 10am - 6pm

NOTES ON TECHNIQUE
The technique of 'multiple layers fusing' has been gradually developed by Emma Varga during the past 14 years. It enables her to create and to gain control over three dimensional images inside large transparent glass objects.
To make each of these sculptural objects, it is necessary to cut thousands of tiny glass elements from clear and transparent coloured glass sheets and combine them with glass frits and stringers.
The sculptural glass objects are made from 20-200 thin transparent glass layers; glass mosaic elements, colored frits and stringers are assembled on each sheet, according to a complicated three-dimensional plan. These are then fused together in stages.
It takes two weeks to fire and slowly cool down large sculptural works, then a further two weeks to grind and polish all of the surfaces to perfection. Only then it is finally possible to see the inside; all the fine details and veil-like structures floating in the sea of clear glass.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Kirra Galleries - Mobile: 0417 329 201