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G2-20 Manhattan
G2-20 Manhattan
2018
In Brian Clarke’s stained glass folding screen Manhattan, the iconic image of a mushroom cloud is repeated across twelve panels in varying, vivid colours. The work exists in multiple colour variants. It takes its title from the Manhattan Project, the research and development effort that produced the first atomic weapons during World War II. Clarke described the screen in 2019:
"My Manhattan screen visits a dark moment in human history. Mushroom clouds throttle us with fear and fascination. Here they are beautiful because of the colours and swirling textures of the glass. The image feels safe because it's in the past, but the mirrored backgrounds force us to keep seeing ourselves reflected in the NOW. And then the now doesn't seem half as cosy as before, and that feeling of being throttled by inevitability sneaks back."
This folding screen was produced with an innovative technique that eliminates the lead cames traditionally used to support and join stained glass, allowing the glass to interact freely with light and space. Manhattan exists in an edition of 10 unique variants plus 3 artist’s proofs, published by HENI.