The creation of stained glass may be traced again to historical Egypt and Rome, however we most frequently affiliate it with its reputation in Western Christianity, as within the biblical narratives adorning chapels and cathedrals. For Timo Fahler, this custom types the inspiration of a multimedia observe influenced by Mesoamerican codice imagery, nationwide symbols, and motifs present in older European church buildings.
Stained glass is a “storytelling medium in which I get to draw from everything I experience, everything I study, read, believe in, and even distrust,” Fahler tells Colossal. “We are floating in a unique era of questioning reality, the last gasp of the living generation before automation integrates itself via AI, ChatGPT, and digital interface.” He views his observe as depicting this period and even, in a approach, immortalizing it.
Fahler first labored with lampworking glass whereas finding out ceramics on the Kansas Metropolis Artwork Institute, which sparked an ongoing curiosity within the medium. Not too long ago, he started incorporating it into what he calls “rebar drawings,” which type the inspiration of a lot of his work. “I was curious about letting the unpredictability of light become a part of the ‘materials’ I work with,” the artist says.
Lots of Fahler’s sculptures are framed or supported by heavy-duty metals like rusted metal, iron fences, and gates. Stained glass hovers a number of inches from the wall, casting colourful shadows. For his most up-to-date works, Fahler locations obstacles atop the glass to think about not solely the viewer’s relationship to the picture but in addition the implications of individuals being barred from freedoms and information. “I draw from a lot of different sources—historical, mythological, and fantastical—all of which encompass my ‘heritage,’” the artist says.
In a chunk titled after the poem “New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, which is carved in bronze on the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, Fahler makes use of a gate to border a element of Girl Liberty’s arm constructed of tiny glass squares soldered to the aspects of a chain-link fence. Traditionally a potent image of welcome, amnesty, and inclusiveness, the statue on this context references how right this moment, new immigrants’ entry is extra troubled and sometimes blocked.
Serpents, dragons, eagles, and landscapes merge with real looking portraits and references to historic moments and nationwide emblems, like Mexico’s crest that includes a golden eagle on a cactus with a snake in its talons. The picture facilities on the nation’s flag, representing the resilience, bravery, and spirit of the Mexican individuals. Echoing his illustration of the Statue of Liberty, the icon is barricaded, merging with iron bars.
Fahler is at present engaged on a solo presentation with Sebastian Gladstone this autumn. He and his household simply moved to Amsterdam, the place he shares he’s starting from a “zero-point/clean canvas” in a brand new studio, and he plans to discover concepts across the complexities of sovereignty, expatriation, and a rapidly evolving international society.
“The world is changing so quickly that we cannot collectively understand, let alone keep up with it!” he says. “I’m excited to be working on all of that and look forward to the body of work that depicts it.”
Discover extra on Fahler’s web site and Instagram.
