The Maker
Rhian HafMaker in Focus
04 February - 24 March 2012
Rhian Haf is a contemporary glass artist who graduated from the MA in Glass at the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2011 with Distinction. Previous to this, she studied BA (Hons) Design and Applied Arts in Edinburgh College of Art and has an extensive work history with the Arts Council of Wales. Based in north Wales at her studio, Rhian has exhibited work across the UK and has taken part in many residencies. Other recent achievements include winning the student prize for Welsh Artist of the Year in 2011 and being selected as an invigilator and resident at the 54th Venice Biennale 2011 for Wales.
Rhian’s work addresses subjects of shelter, sanctuary, isolation, history, memories and dreams through site-specific installations and sculptural work. Working with the material, Rhian investigates the surface of glass; smooth and untouched clear glass, some abraded, contrasted with textured and rough surfaces of kiln-formed glass. The surfaces that Rhian sees are captured through the photographs that she takes in the built environment. Ruins and forgotten places with forgotten histories are usually central to her work. The glass acts to capture the space; reflections, cast shadows, distorted shapes, and blurred visions.
- Deirdre Finnerty, 2012