Wu Jian’an
Hand-blown glass, Tinted glass, silver
2019
Faces are a recurring motif in Wu Jian’an’s artistic practice, serving as a primary site where he explores the intersection of myth, history, and the human spirit. He masterfully utilizes diverse media—ranging from traditional leather and handmade paper to contemporary blown glass—to bring these faces to life.
Invisible Faces is a series of glass sculptures created by Wu Jian’an during two artistic residencies at the Berengo Studio on Murano Island, Venice. The works were completed in collaboration with the “Masters” of the glass-blowing workshops. Each piece in the series consists of a set of two: a larger outer sculpture encompassing a smaller inner one. These forms represent various animals found in nature, as well as characters and deities from ancient myths.
The outer sculptures are crafted with high transparency, while the inner ones often feature a silver-mirrored finish. This creates a mesmerizing interplay of reflections between the internal and external figures. As light and viewing angles shift, the works reveal a contemporary visual spectacle rooted in ancient artisanal techniques. This series stands as a testament to the friendly and creative collaboration between artists and craftsmen from China and Italy.