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The Santa Fean Magazine, July 1999
GALLERY PREVIEWS
Randi Wagner, Conchiglia, or Opalina, glass with pigmentation and silver leaf; 9" x 20" x 10". Rubacuori, acrylic on canvas, 40" x 50". Courtesy Contemporary Southwest Galleries, 123 W. Palace.
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Randi Wagner
Contemporary abstract artist Randi Wagner is right on the cutting edge-or
shall we say the molten edge-in an exciting new enterprise that translates
her bold, fearless paintings into the vivid new language of art glass.
A longtime collector of sculptural glass herself, Wagner is well versed
in the exquisite translucence and depth of color made possible in this
medium. And two years ago, her bright colors and abstract designs won
her the singular opportunity to submit her designs to one of the leading
enterprises in Murano art glass, Marco Polo Glass Gallery and Studio near
Venice.
Initially,Wagner composed colored "paintings" which then were captured
in crystal by the gallery's maestros-among them Walter Furlan, who also
worked directly with Picasso in translating many of his designs into glass.
Wagner's prototypes were an instant success. She began spending months
at a time in Venice, working directly with the studio's masters to produce
the unique, limited-edition glass sculptures that so wondrously complement
her paintings.
Since she started producing her designs in glass, Wagner's paintings seem
to reflect the excitement she has found in the new process. The glass
work's intense colors and energy seems to permeate the canvas. Wagner's
stunningly complementary paintings and glass sculptures are now displayed
at the Marco Polo galleries on Murano and at the Hotel Excelsior on Lido.
Her first showing in the U.S., this month in Santa Fe, promises to thrill
and captivate.
Contemporary Southwest Galleries. Randi Wagner: Through a Glass Brightly,
From Murano to Santa Fe. Jul 8-25; reception Jul 8 5-7. Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30,
Sun 11-5. 123 W. Palace. 986-0440.-Jeanette Alt
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