STORIES FOR CHILDREN: A GLASS INSTALLATION BY HOPE FORSTENZER
October 26 – November 19, 2016
For years, glass artist Hope Forstenzer has been fascinated with classic children’s tales and their often sinister undertones. While researching the story of Cinderella for a stage production in New York in the mid-90s, Forstenzer realized how many cultures have used fear as a crucial storytelling device to shape children’s behaviour. These popular stories often serve as cautionary tales rife with terrifying figures and characters created to threaten kids with terrible consequences… if they don’t follow the rules.
Groups of colourful blown-glass balloons hang from the gallery’s ceiling, each balloon sandblasted with an image depicting the darkest characters from children’s stories and legends. The balloons are illuminated from within, creating a playful but unsettling juxtaposition between light and dark, joy and terror.
Reception and Halloween Costume Party: Sunday October 30, 7 p.m.
Artist Talk: Sunday, November 6, 2 p.m.
