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. She has work in the permanent collections of many prestigious public collections including the V&A Museum (through Vessel Gallery’s advocacy) | Studio Collection of the Corning Museum of Glass, NY, USA | Museum of American Glass, Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, USA | Glasmuseum Alter Hof Herding, Germany | Statens Konstråd, Sweden | Musee-atelier du Verre, Sars-Poteries, France.