Photographs of fourteen glass paintings; sandblast technique c. 20th century

Curator: These photographs document Josef Albers’ glass paintings, using a sandblast technique. The mechanical process is immediately striking. Editor: Yes, the interplay of light and shadow gives them an almost architectural feel. The simple geometric forms—circles, cylinders—possess a symbolic weight. Curator: It’s interesting to consider Albers' focus on industrial materials and production. The sandblasting itself, a process of controlled abrasion, emphasizes the artist's hand, even within a mechanized method. Editor: I see the repetition of forms suggesting a kind of symbolic language. The way these elemental shapes are combined evokes early alphabets. Curator: Perhaps. For Albers, I think the emphasis was on exploring the properties of glass and its capacity to transmit and reflect light. Editor: In any case, the austere beauty of this technique does resonate with a sense of timeless design. Curator: Precisely. The exploration of materials and craft generates its own quiet meaning.