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Walker Art Gallery has announced the opening of a new installation by innovative glass artist Chris Day.
Titled ‘Now you see me’, this stunning blown glass and mixed media modular work is exhibited alongside the painting that inspired it – ‘The Card Party’ by Gawen Hamilton (1698-1737).
Day’s installation was catalysed by his discovery of ‘The Card Party’ among the gallery’s collection, in which a small Black servant is hidden within the scene.
Through his work, Day sheds light on this child’s story and the experiences of others who have been silenced. The artist’s signature ‘copper cages’ encase blown glass pieces, creating a quasi-reflective surface where viewers can observe an image that is present, yet not quite there – mirroring the essence of the boy in the painting.
Chris Day describes himself as mixed race and often explores his identity through his artworks. His diverse heritage led him to research themes linked to the trade in enslaved African people and its legacies. Day’s works seek to engage the audience on difficult issues, using art to overcome the traumas that haunt our collective past. The beauty of his work invites closer inspection, creating a striking contrast with his powerful message.
Day rediscovered his passion for art after working as a heating engineer for twenty years. He graduated from Wolverhampton University in 2021 with an MA in Design and Applied Art, where he studied ceramics and glass. His trade as a plumber informs his artistic practice, and he incorporates found materials used in the heating industry into his work.
‘Now you see me’ is presented by the Contemporary Arts Society, a charity that has been instrumental in enriching UK museums with contemporary art and craft since 1910. The display is presented through the Griffin Award, which is designed specifically to support acquisitions of craft works, including mediums such as glass.
Chris Day said, “My passion lies in making work that sparks reflection on the transatlantic slave trade. I am delighted to have the chance to create a commission that will start a conversation in Liverpool, so deeply rooted in that trade.
I am proud that my work will be part of the Walker’s collections and eager to see the reactions and discussions it may provoke.”
Nicola Scott, Curator of Decorative Art at National Museums Liverpool, said, “I am delighted that Chris Day has created this new commission for the Walker, presented by the Contemporary Art Society through the Griffin Award. It is an exciting opportunity to acquire an artwork by one of the UK’s leading glass makers.
Chris is an innovative glass artist with an international reputation making work with a message. ‘Now you see me’, is directly linked to the Walker’s collections and Liverpool’s history. The intriguing beauty of these sculptures invites closer inspection and contrasts with Day’s powerful message about the city’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.”
Christine Takengy, The Roden Senior Curator of Museums Acquisitions at the Contemporary Art Society, said, “We are thrilled to be commissioning this series of glass sculptures by Chris Day as part of the Griffin Award.
“Day’s work is both poignant and timely, reflecting on Liverpool’s role in Britain during the transatlantic slave trade and bringing to light the concealed histories of the many enslaved people that passed through its port. CAS is happy that this commission supports the Walker’s commitment to decolonialising their collection”.
‘Now you see me’ is now open and runs until 24 November 2024.
Image: ‘Now you see me’ © Chris Day
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