"Glass Reimagined" - a solo exhibition & installation by Dylan Martinez

Square One is proud to present “Glass Reimagined”, a solo exhibition by artist Dylan Martinez including a site specific installation of his interactive work, Cumulonimbus. Opening at Square One Gallery Friday, June 6th from 6-9pm. Join us for an evening with the artist present, cocktails, and refreshments.

Dylan Martinez's artistry delves into the interplay between human perception and the mesmerizing medium of glass. Through a fusion of light, space, and the inherent qualities of glass, Martinez's creations transcend conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to question the very nature of reality. Dylan’s artwork often provokes the limits of human perception, challenging the viewer’s expectations. While steeped in the traditional techniques in glass making, he constantly strives to discover novel approaches to exploit the material. His hyper-realistic water bag sculptures often trick viewers into believing the glass objects are in fact water filled plastic bags.

“Glass Reimagined” presents a series of hyperrealistic sculptures and installations that challenge our assumptions about material, perception, and play. From water bags inhabited by bubble-formed fish to drinkware that holds only the illusion of liquid, the exhibition invites viewers to question what they see—and what they believe they see. Goldfish crackers swim through sealed plastic bags, Pac-Man navigates a glassy void, and fluorescent tubes hum with energy near a Tesla coil installation. By rendering ephemeral or humorous moments in glass, the artist blurs the line between the precious and the disposable, the real and the simulated. “Glass Reimagined” is both a celebration and a subversion of the material—recasting it not just as a vessel, but as a trickster.

Also on view, his site specific installation Cumulonimbus is brought into existence by suspending 200 fluorescent tubes, each measuring 4 feet in length, in a structured arrangement resembling a storm cloud. This captivating sculpture resides serenely within a dimmed gallery space. As a visitor steps into this area, a timer is triggered, initiating an unforeseen sequence. The commanding 250,000-volt Tesla coil bursts into action for a brief yet startling period. The coil's activation produces a sudden and intense crackling buzz, engulfing the room in erratic illumination. The Tesla coil's electromagnetic field interacts with the ions within the fluorescent tubes, effortlessly illuminating them without any physical connections. Just as abruptly as it commenced, the spectacle ceases, plunging the surroundings back into tranquil darkness.

Join us for the reception
Friday, June 6th // 6-9pm
4814 Washington Blvd, STL

For more information & inquiries:
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+1 314-252-8571

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