Maria Bang Espersen works around the idea that all things are malleable, like glass, and that nothing can be permanently defined. Her experimental sculptures are therefore not only an approach but also a statement; one that states to never get caught up in the restrictive norms or to obey established hierarchies. Essentially, her works in glass, are a play with the possibilities of the material and an attempt to expand the viewer’s understanding of her chosen medium.

Although static and solid in their final sate, Espersen stretches, pulls and bends her glass, resulting in works that appear soft and almost possible of languid movement. Her chosen candy confectionery colour palette entices and draws the onlooker towards the artwork, which deliciously glisten.

Espersen studied glass and ceramics at Engelsholm Højskole, in Denmark, continuing her studies at the Kosta School of Glass in Sweden, The Royal Danish Academy of Design, and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine.

She has exhibited extensively throughout Europe and the USA, where she has also participated in several residencies, whilst winning numerous prizes and nominations.

Public Collections

The Danish Arts Foundation (Statens Kunstfond), Denmark • Public Art Agency Sweden (Statens Konstråd), Sweden • Smålands Konstarkiv, Sweden • The Corning Museum of Glass, USA • Victoria and Albert Museum, London, GB (through Vessel Gallery’s advocacy) • Musee-atelier du Verre, Sars-Poteries, France • Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustri-Museum, Tronheim, Norway • Sunderland Culture, GB • Konstsammlungen der Veste Coburg, Germany • Statens Konstråd, Sweden • Glasmuseum Alter Hof Herding, Coesfeld Lette, Germany • Museum of American Glass, Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, USA • Studio Collection of the Corning Museum of Glass, NY, USA • Collection of the City of Lommel, Belgium 

Awards

2015 – 1st Prize Winner, KP-Prize, Aarhus, Denmark • Prize Winner, Talent Award of the Jutta Cuny-Franz Foundation of 2015, Germany • 2014 - Prize Winner, Coburg Prize 2014, Jury’s Special Prize, Germany • 2013 - Nominated, Talente 2013, Germany • Studio Glass of the year 2013, The Friends Society, Denmark • 2012 - Prize Winner, International Glass Prize, Lommel, Belgium • Nominated, Stanislav Libensky Award, Czech Republic • Bronze Winner, The Danish Craft Prize, Denmark • 1st Prize, Eco Arts Awards, USA • 2011 – 2nd Prize, Scraplab Design Contest, Germany

Artist portrait by MBE.