RAYMOND HUYNH
“THE TRANSFORMATIVE PROPERTIES OF SILICA”
ARTBOX FISHER LIBRARY, LEVEL 4 (2023)
Raymond Huynh, The Transformative Propoerties of Silica, 2023. Ceramics and glass. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Looking at the history, use and perception of glass and ceramics in the Eurocentric art canon, The Transformative Properties of Silica was a series of work that engaged in a dialogue between the two ‘separate’ mediums of glass and ceramics by melding them into one. By learning to engage and 'listen' to these materials, and to begin to draw parallels or connections between them, this body of work aimed to contemplate and break away from the categorisation of glass and ceramics, established in the 20th century, which positioned them as disassociated from each other, and which created a hierarchy that unfairly relegated glass and ceramics as ‘crafts’ or ‘applied arts,’ and therefore not worthy of ‘fine art’ status, as materials or artworks. Equally, in the work’s merging of materials, The Transformative Properties of Silica attempted to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary art practices.
The Transformative Properties of Silica also reflected Huynh’s various iterations of 'play' or material engagement with glass and ceramics, as well as their aims to accentuate or 'exploit' the inherent qualities of various forms of silica (when transformed by heat). Huynh has grappled with accentuating the rawness of glass and ceramics via the creation of various 'elemental' sculptures. These sculptures differed in form and texture: some consisted of clear glass 'droplets' or 'tentacles' that appear to be suspended or 'frozen in time' in its viscous state; the surface of some works were marked; volcanic and lichen glazes were applied, emulating the earth or ‘landscapes’; some consisted of melted scrap or found glass, referencing the ‘glass skin’ of ceramic glazes.
TheTransformative Properties of Silica was an evolving exhibition, with Huynh adding work to the ARTBOX vitrine over a period of four months.
Raymond Huynh, The Transformative Propoerties of Silica, 2023. Ceramics and glass. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.
Raymond Huynh, The Transformative Propoerties of Silica, 2023. Ceramics and glass. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.
Raymond Huynh, The Transformative Propoerties of Silica, 2023. Ceramics and glass. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.
Verge Projects is a platform that aims to strengthen the University of Sydney community and networks through on-campus art activations. Verge Projects delivers community engaged projects led by and in collaboration with student and student groups. Stepping outside of art faculties and spaces, this program encourages inclusive and creative experiences campus wide.