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Earlier this year New Zealand glass artist and sculptor Ben Young showed several of his newer pieces exclusively created for IMMERSED, an exhibition held at Singapore’s Red Sea Gallery. The concrete and glass sculptures at first appear abstract, but upon closer examination, small cast bronze figurines are revealed as the characters in these sculptural aquatic narratives.

Ben Young IMMERSED

The ocean, its many secrets and vast power, has long been an inspiration for artists and writers. A surfer and boat builder by profession, water is an instrumental part of the self-taught glass artist’s world. Ben’s pieces in IMMERSED explore the historical reliance and modern-day fascination with the bounties of the ocean.

Crevice, 2020 Laminated Float Glass, Cast Concrete and Bronze 65h x 30w x 25d cm

Ben manages to master the materials, turning concrete into icebergs and desert islands; glass into waves and waterfalls.

Reflection, 2020 Laminated Float Glass, Cast Concrete, Bronze and Stainless Steel Frame 36h x 43w x 16d cm

ben young artworks — Reflection (detail of cast bronze tree and figure)

The sculptures depict the various types of relationships between humans and water. Whether near, on or in the water, the tiny cast bronze pieces not only create scale but stories.

Tiny cast bronze figurines for his sculptures by Ben Young

The small subjects can be seen crossing the ocean, sailing the sea or merely looking at their reflection.

Expanse, 2020 Laminated Float Glass, Cast Concrete, Bronze and Stainless Steel Frame 60h x 80w x 30d cm

ben young expanse — Expanse (detail of cast bronze)

contemporary glass art — Flight of Fancy, 2020 Laminated Float Glass, Cast Concrete, Bronze and Stainless Steel Frame 51h x 50w x 30d cm

Flight of Fancy (detail of bronze cast figure)

Guiding the Way, 2020 Laminated Float Glass, Cast Concrete, Bronze and Stainless Steel Frame 52h x 60w x 13d cm

Guiding the Way (detail of Bronze lighthouse)

“At one point in time, we were one with the ocean, and with human and technological advances came our gradual independence from the ocean. But while we may never be able to fully return, we never really left the water behind. For millennia we have stayed by its side, as much out of biological necessity as for emotional fulfillment. We have skirted the far reaches of its edges, living on its bounty, and at times, tragically falling in the face of its power.” – Ben Young