Striking glass and light sculpture in Chichester Cathedral

Connection, a striking glass and light sculpture by Galia Amsel, will be on display at Chichester Cathedral until February 16 (free entry).
Connection by Galia Amsel at Chi CathedralConnection by Galia Amsel at Chi Cathedral
Connection by Galia Amsel at Chi Cathedral

Ruth Poyner, visitor services officer, said: “This striking modern sculpture is suspended from the upper levels in the Cathedral’s baptistry and hangs gently above the font, an area used for baptisms and christening.

“This artwork refers to the traditional use of stained/coloured glass in places of worship, where the light through windows has historically served a dual purpose; firstly to light up the space within, and also to illuminate images and messages from spiritual texts.

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“Amsel’s sculpture explores similar themes but through a very contemporary lens and with modern materials. Her sculpture uses a large twisting industrial duct to bring down the light from above, which arrives finally, and beautifully, in delicate glasswork, emulating fibre optic cables.

Connection by Galia Amsel at Chi CathedralConnection by Galia Amsel at Chi Cathedral
Connection by Galia Amsel at Chi Cathedral

“These fibre optic cables gesture towards the title of the piece Connection, as cables like these bring us myriad connections in our busy and complex modern world. The placement of the piece above the font also brings out the particular ‘connections’ involved in being baptised, where the sprinkling of water symbolises a ‘rebirth’ and the beginning of a connection with God.

“This piece is the latest in a series of contemporary art to be temporarily exhibited in Chichester Cathedral, which is already well known for its bold relationship with modern art. The Cathedral displays permanent pieces by artists such as Marc Chagall, Graham Sutherland, John Piper, Philip Jackson and others.”

Ruth added: “Galia Amsel is an artist admired by glass makers and collectors alike. She trained at the Royal College of Art, London, and has taught in the university glass departments of Sunderland and Edinburgh, and at the Glasgow School of Art.

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“She moved to New Zealand in 2004 and her work soon started to win her grants and awards. Her pieces are exhibited in museum collections around the world, including the V&A here in the UK; the Museum of Arts and Design, New York; the National Museum of Scotland and the Montreal Museum of Decorative Arts.”

Connection by Galia Amsel at Chi CathedralConnection by Galia Amsel at Chi Cathedral
Connection by Galia Amsel at Chi Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral is open daily with free entry and all are welcome to come and see Connection, which will be exhibited until February 16.

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