Project R-16106

(Trans)formation as artistic methodology: sculptures as thinking models of formation explored through kiln-formed glass (Research)

This doctoral research investigates (trans)formation as an artistic methodology, focusing on the abstract nature of landscape change and the inherent ethical paradox of creation in the Anthropocene. It aims to develop sculptures as "thinking models" that bridge the gap between landscape transformation and human perception. This research aims to build an interdisciplinary framework that integrates environmental philosophy, contemporary art, and material studies with artistic practice to explore how human-induced landscape changes can be made tangible through sculptural models. The project addresses the urgent need to understand the complex interplay between human actions, material consumption, and the resulting transformations occurring in landscapes, with a particular emphasis on developing alternative production methodologies in the kiln-formed glass process. By working with contaminated glass waste, the research seeks to reduce reliance on mineral extraction and challenge conventional notions of material value. Within this context, it proposes more materially conscious methods for managing kiln-forming processes and energy consumption. It will investigate sand casting as a central method for developing the sculptural work, exploring different types of sand to connect the sculptures to specific landscapes. Furthermore, it will research the disruptive effects of contaminants on kiln-formed glass, as a metaphor for unpredictable landscape shifts in the Anthropocene. The interaction between theoretical research, technical experimentation, artistic production, collaboration, and reflection is essential to this process.

01 November 2025 - 31 October 2029