Ann Veronica Janssens 16 Aquatic Blocks (110), 2017
Cast glass
20 x 48 x 48 cm
The work consists of sixteen blocks made of transparent aquatic-colored glass that has been cast and then polished to a high gloss. Small inclusions of bubbles have been allowed to remain and become more or less visible according to the way the light hits the work.
16 Aquatic Blocks (110) belongs to a series and evolves from Ann Veronica Janssens' previous experiments, such as her constructions of cement blocks, reminiscent of Carl Andre's sculptures made of stacked firebricks. Here, the glass has replaced the cement and plays with the light and the characteristics of the material.
Janssens' work foregrounds the body's perception of the world and itself in it. She often uses light, natural optical phenomena or glass as medium. Beautifully made, her works exude the impression of great simplicity yet create vivid experiences of the act of seeing, evoking a heightened awareness of the changeability and fleetingness of individual perceptions.