Sabbia Gallery is pleased to present this solo exhibition of new works in glass by Matthew Curtis. He has developed a rigorous material-based practice, focussed on the shifting qualities of glass. His affinity, dexterity, and experience are extensive and experimental. He researches and experiments with unconventional approaches, extending traditional techniques. Curtis was introduced to glassblowing through an informal apprenticeship, assisting at Denizen Glass in Sydney in the early 90’s. Since then, he has exhibited extensively.
His blown and cast glass objects capture transparent hues which fade and gather in intensity. His keen eye for symmetry and mathematical precision have become peripheral, yielding a more meditative approach to the alignment of form. His current work investigates margins and boundaries. Subtle intersections which magnify the minutia of biological structures and patterns. For Curtis these intersections become metaphors to reflect upon how objects or ideas might yield and accommodate each other, to fit together harmoniously.
‘Increasingly my interest lies in sympathetically bringing components together. Reflecting through glass how individuals, objects, and ideas might accommodate each other to fit together harmoniously.
The process draws upon and adapts the traditional glassblowing techniques of sommerso and encalmo. Their compositions allow me to layer and suspend hues of subtle veneers and colours, which emphasise the structural element of the pocket of air within. This void assists in making the objects luminous, accentuating their boundaries and margins. This exhibition has enabled me to enjoy the process of adapting and refining their details.
The Shim forms explore the density and luminosity of this material differently. They hold light below their surface within their crystalline matrix.
I am enjoying how shifting light and perspective affects these objects.’
Matthew Curtis, 2024
