Bubbled Matter

Bubbled Matter, A unique visualization of air

In the project Bubbled Matter, Karhof captures the invisible element of air in glass. She confines air and visualizes a breath in a series of coffee tables and sculptural objects. Karhof developed a new technique that was initially considered impossible by glassblowers. The innovative aspect of her approach is that the air bubbles are sealed airtight, defying the ‘laws of nature’ in glassblowing. As a result, the bubbles do not collapse or break but instead expand further during the slumping process. The presentation offers a unique view into the artistic and experimental process she undertook with experienced glassblowers. In her ongoing practice, Karhof also explores more environmentally conscious ways of working with glass, such as fusing in world’s first hydrogen kiln.

Inspiration

The idea for Bubbled Matter was sparked by a photograph by artist Georgina Starr, in which three girls blow chewing gum bubbles against each other. Merel explains: “What appeals to me is the collaborative process of blowing. The exhaled, framed air will try to become a sphere, and in the struggle to become as round as possible, tension arises. This tension, both symbolic and demonstrative, is something I wanted to bring into my work as well.”

The chewing gum bubbles simply visualize the competitive effort of three people. The mixture of gases in the atmosphere, whose composition is altered by human activity, thus becomes visible. The consequences of increased nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the air are well known and are central to today’s climate change debate. In this way, Karhof reveals the “invisible” transformation process of air in her work.