Glass: Virtual, Real

Glass: Virtual, Real is a unique publication that explores the increasing use of glass in contemporary art as a relatively new artistic medium in the broader context of art history. It reflects upon the changing use of glass within a postmodern context and in light of the digital revolution.

Sculptor and educator Koen Vanderstukken investigates how postmodern art has brought glass to the forefront as a breakthrough art medium due to its intriguing qualities. Furthermore, Glass: Virtual, Real draws clear parallels between our increasing familiarity with a virtual reality in today's digital era and an improved understanding of glass within an artistic context.

The final, and largest, section of the book explores the impact of glass on the contemporary art scene, focusing on how artists are using the medium in exciting ways in their practices. This section includes works by contemporary artists such as Gerhard Richter, Josiah Mcelheny, Mona Hatoum, Fred Wilson, Jan Fabre, Wim Delvoye, Joseph Kosuth, Dani Karavan, Ann Veronica Janssens, Dan Graham, Dustin Yellin, Javier Perez, James Carpenter, Olafur Eliasson, Koen Vanmechelen and many more.

Providing fascinating insight into the impact of glass as a medium on contemporary art, this book will appeal to historians, educators, students, artists and academics. Glass: Virtual, Real is a beautifully produced 'coffee-table' style publication with over 200 images accompanied by critical texts exploring the history and impacts of glass, particularly within art.

Koen Vanderstukken: Koen Vanderstukken has a BCH, BFA and MFA and has exhibited in major arts centres around the world. From 1990-2010, he ran his own studio in Niel, Belgium. Since 2006, he has been a professor and the studio head of the glass department at Sheridan College, Oakville, Canada.