PRESS RELEASE  

Blown, Bound and Bold | A solo exhibition by Chris Day

28th September – 31st October 2020

Emerging artist Chris Day makes his debut at Vessel Gallery. After the long hiatus London’s leading glass gallery, Vessel, re-opens its door with a spruced-up interior and a solo exhibition from an exciting new talent. Chris Day b.1968 is a recent graduate from Wolverhampton University, who received a special commendation at last year’s British Glass Biennale held in Stourbridge.

The artist, who worked for more than two decades as a self-employed plumber before discovering glass, has produced a series of highly personal pieces that discuss and investigate the treatment of black people in Britain and the United States of America. Within the work he also uses materials derived from heating and electrical systems in a reference to his former career.  

As he says: ‘My main purpose is to engage the audience on issues that are hard to confront on many levels, using art to help overcome some of the traumas that haunt our collective past.’  

Much of Day’s research has focussed on the history of the slave trade in the Eighteenth Century, with the copper cage in one piece representing the restriction of movement both physically and mentally, emphasising the complete control traders possessed over another human’s life. Meanwhile the glass, he explains, is ‘just like the human spirit attempting to break free, creating areas of resistance, while still being overcome by the boundaries that confine it’.  

Vessel’s founder, Angel Monzon, initially met the artist when he was judging the Biennale in 2019 and has been keeping an eye on his development ever since during a string of mentoring sessions. ‘I immediately found his work hugely emotive,’ he says. ‘It is borne out of deep research and personal experience, informed by the history of race relations both here and in the US. The finished pieces might not be conventionally “beautiful” but they possess an extraordinary raw energy. Technically he’s also incredibly dedicated and has been growing his skills at a fast pace, not only in glass but also ceramics. In my view he’s definitely one to watch for the future and it’s a delight to be showing his work in the gallery.’  

The show has been timed to coincide with London Craft Week, which after being postponed earlier in the year, is now running from 30 September – 8 October, Kensington & Chelsea Art Week running 1-11 October as well as Frieze London which is on from 8-11 October.  

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For further information, images or interview opportunities with Chris Day please email; info@vesselallery.com or call +44(0)207 727 8001  
Social; Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter: vessellondon 

INTERVIEWS

Crafts Council Stories | An interview with Chris Day by Jareh Das
Chris Day fuses glass, ceramics and metal to explore Black history and personal identity

BBC interview conducted by video journalist John Bray
Glass blower Chris Day reflects Black Lives Matter in his art





Transcending Bondage 
Unique, 36cm H, 25cm W, 25cm D, ceramic, glass and copper

Top image;
Strange Fruit XI
Unique, 29cm H, 15cm W, 18cm D, ceramic, glass and copper

Strange Fruit XII
Unique, 34cm H, 15cm W, 20cm D, ceramic, glass and copper

Strange Fruit X
Unique, 26cm H, 14cm W, 18cm D, ceramic, glass and copper

Notes for editors:

Vessel Gallery was founded in London’s Notting Hill by Angel Monzon in 1999. The gallery swiftly established itself as one of the leading experts in contemporary glass, showcasing both British and international artists, designers and makers including the likes of Hella Jongerius, Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert and Thomas Heatherwick.

Importantly too, the gallery curates its own editions, working with emerging and established studio artists to produce unique collections of limited edition works in glass. Royal College of Art graduate Monzon and his team also consults on interior and corporate projects, providing a bespoke commissioning service.  

Numerous works from the gallery have entered prestigious public collections through its exhibitions and advocacy.  

Photo credit: Simon Bruntnell | www.simonbruntnellphotography.co.uk