Alexander Kirkeby — Chandelier
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Chandelier by Alexander Kirkeby expresses a new scale and function to the designers work with glass. Closely resembling the construction of traditional Venetian glass chandeliers – a series of blown glass arms radiate from a central body, also clad in blown glass. The techniques Kirkeby has used to produce each component transform this classic archetype into something that illustrates the designers contemporary interpretations of glass ornamentation. Rather than utilising glass moulds, each component has been shaped by hand, resulting in an overall form that is both balanced yet asymmetrical. Internal components in steel, brass and aluminium have been kept to a minimum, allowing the final form to float and providing the emitted light the ability to bounce and interact with each glass component.
Material and dimensions:
Glass, Steel, Aluminium, Brass, Resin, Light Source.
110 x 85 x 105cm.
Year:
2024
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Benjamin Lund
LONG DESCRIPTION:
Having previously focused on stand-alone glass objects, Chandelier presents Alexander Kirkeby’s first exploration into mixed materiality within his practice. While exploring this relationship between glass and materials new to the designer – steel, brass, aluminium and resin alongside light, a key focus was the ability of Kirkeby to retain the unique design language he has crafted through years of working with blown glass. Within Chandelier, these new material insertions have allowed Kirkeby to work in a new scale – becoming the structural backbone of a system of glass that can grow and expand. At the same time, glass remains the hero. Evident within this latest piece, as with his existing body of work, is a re-working of traditional Venetian glass blowing techniques. His glass forms often begin within a traditional optic mould – producing classic twirled and ribbed glass shapes which Kirkeby then cuts, pulls and pinches with jacks, tweezers and scissors. With Chandelier, these alterations also extend to the glass arms that hold each light source, with ornamental additions simultaneously becoming the weighted components that allow the final form to be both asymmetrical in appearance, yet balanced while hanging.
DESIGNER BIO:
Alexander Kirkeby.
Glass Blower & Designer, born 1992.
Working from an old ship yard within Aarhus harbour, glass blower and designer Alexander Kirkeby spends his days in a push and pull with molten glass. Working across his five kilns and with the help of his assistants, Kirekby’s work oscillates between delicate details and a more spontaneous and intuitive approach to form. Heavily inspired by traditional Venetian glass blowing traditions – in particular the ribbed glass created through the rigadin technique, his contemporary design language has evolved from the Venetian approach of precision into something more character driven; Kirkeby pinches, pulls and deforms delicate twirled glass, resulting in bulbous and asymmetrical objects. Working purely in clear glass allows his work to blend styles while remaining visually delicate, creating his own take on traditional forms such as the wine glass, carafe and chandelier.
EDUCATION:
2020: BA, Craft & Design, The Danish Royal Academy, Bornholm, Denmark.
GRANTS & HONOURS:
2023: Work Grant, Danish Arts Foundation, Denmark.
2022: Creative of the Year, Bonnier Design Awards, Denmark.
2022: Work Grant, Danish Arts Foundation, Denmark.
2021: Best Unreleased Product, EDIT Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
EXHIBITIONS:
2024: Group Exhibition, Casa Yali, Venice Glass Week, Venice, Italy.
2024: Group Exhibition, Homo Faber, Venice, Italy.
2023 Group Exhibition, Prendete e Mangiate, Salone del Mobile, Milan, Italy.
2022 Group Exhibition, Confessions, Tableau, Salone del Mobile, Milan, Italy.
2021 Group Exhibition, CUP, QB Gallery, Oslo, Norway.
2021 Group Exhibition, Perspectives, Ukurant, 3DaysofDesign, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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