John Hogan’s glass experiments present light in solid form

John Hogan unveils his latest glass designs; presented through a new show titled ‘Ultraviolet’ at The Future Perfect in San Francisco (through July 2021), the series explores light in sculptural form. ‘Light is a proactive and integral component of my sculptural practice,’ explains Seattle-based Hogan, whose output is based on abstract sculptural glass objects and lighting design. ‘My passion is glass making and through glass I have become obsessed with light. For this body of work, I wanted to ask myself: how can light be complicated, interrogated and contextualised as a medium?’

Hogan’s creative process explored different types of light; not just visible light, but also light as invisible substance, as radioactivity. ‘UV light (specifically, UV‑B) causes the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for life. Humans need some UV radiation to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D in turn promotes healthy levels of serotonin. I like to think we aren’t entirely dissimilar from plants in this way. We thrive through our own type of photosynthesis,’ he explains. 

For the first time, Hogan worked with uranium glass, typically known for its glow-in-the-dark properties. Through a series of abstract and geometric shapes, the designer created an eclectic panorama of colourful glass objects that demonstrate the many ways light, shape and colour interact.

The pieces are displayed at the gallery and through a series of images Hogan created in collaboration with photographer Amanda Ringstad. The experimental photographs were created using multiple exposures and dramatic backdrops to add a new layer to the concept. 

The new body of work is intended as the manifestation of the variations in ultraviolet light, exploring spectrums of colour as well as harm, as the light is seen as both essential and harmful to human life. ‘Its purpose is to make the invisible visible: this work is meant to change shape with the light.’

INFORMATION

‘John Hogan: Ultraviolet’ is at The Future Perfect through July 2021

thefutureperfect.com
johnhogandesigns.com

ADDRESS

3085 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA

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