Monmouth Glass Studio initiates new era with Cruz Jimenez show

New Zealand contemporary glass artists, Monmouth Glass Studio are reinventing their Grey Lynn store, transforming the space into a gathering place for local artists, makers and like-minded people.

The first gallery-style show will open Friday 17 July, when celebrated Auckland artist, Cruz Jimenez takes on the space in a unique and wondrous display of handblown glass, mixed media and found objects. An unlikely union, showcasing the beauty in the ordinary and the extraordinary, titled ‘Vanitas’.

Californian born, Jimenez possesses a special gift for translating the narrative of his inner life into the visual language of the natural world. This show will be no different, demonstrating the relationship between the living and the dead with his own interpretation of vanitas, the symbolic work of art showing the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death.

Not unfamiliar to the use of mixed and unconventional mediums, Jimenez’s sources materials carry meaning in themselves. His installations will incorporate what he calls his ‘box of treasures’, an eclectic mix of things found, bought and acquired. Installations around the Monmouth space will be grounded by paintings in the style we are accustomed to from Jimenez, created with ink, oil, and powdered pigments.

Katzoff and Bradbourne have been blowing glass in Auckland, using the traditional method since 2012. Their Grey Lynn store opened a year ago, becoming a place to showcase their beautiful and unique lighting and homewares.

They too have often exhibited their personal works in shared spaces, but both Katzoff and Bradbourne are pleased to now have the ability to make this opportunity available to others.

“We’re keen to do something different to the traditional gallery model. We want to make access between artists and the public comfortable, easy, and less overwhelming”, says Bradbourne. “We have this amazing space available and want to offer it to others creatives”.

Katzoff goes on to say, “Collaborations between ourselves and others will also inspire us to push our own creative boundaries and encourage us to keep moving forward with our practice.”

The pair will also have more of their personal work on display in the store going forward, with their Monmouth Glass Studio range and custom work available online for both national and international order.

Cruz Jimenez’ ‘Vanitas’ will be on display until 1 August at Monmouth Glass Studio - 5 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. Hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 5pm (Winter hours).

www.monmouthglassstudio.com