Ann Robinson: Celebrating the Recession (2009)

In “Celebrating the Recession” Ann Robinson presents a substantial body of work – almost a complete survey of the primary bowl and vase forms of her career. Revealed by this are a number of fundamental continuums in her work – explicit environmental dialogues and references; the rigorous pursuit of the essence and purity of form; a broad cultural context and a South Pacific sensibility.

The exhibition title “Celebrating the Recession” is both a witty, wry reference to the recent economic environment and openly acknowledges one of the key stylistic devices of her work. Robinson uses space, set-back or indented. Forms slope backwards, and retreat. In this way, many of Robinson’s objects alter shape and substance as we view them.

Equally fundamental to her work is the use of intersecting lines – curved and linear – and the role performed by glass mass and how this interacts with light. Robinson employs colour with assurance and restraint but with a naturalistic, referential language.

Ann Robinson is acknowledged as one of the great glass artists of the world and indisputably New Zealand’s leading exponent of cast glass. Her work has received numerous national and international awards, widespread and on-going critical acclaim.