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The 100 Light Fixture by Bocci Is a Performative Act

Vancouver, Canada-based Bocci is a design research studio, lab, and factory that has mastered glass blowing and innovative manufacturing techniques. One of their latest products – 100 – is a light fixture, introduced at Milan Design Week 2021, that pulls these qualities together in a performative act. Molten glass bubbles prepared by multiple glass artists are put together to create unpredictable interlocking forms that are ultimately illuminated by the central bubble.

“We’ve been developing new methods for making form for many years and routinely cutting prototypes to learn about what’s happening inside, but it occurred to us that the act of cutting itself can be part of the work, not just a learning exercise,” explains Omer Arbel, Bocci’s co-founder and creative director. “For 100, we use a diamond saw to cut swaths off the bubble amalgamations after they cool, exposing the most fascinating parts of the geometry.”

glass light fixture against dark grey background

Jay Macdonell, a glass master at Bocci, explained 100 as being “an exploration in collision and exposure.” Bringing together hot working and cold working requires a lot of skill, and to create the “bubbles” the artists need to be able to find where the most interesting interior portions may occur. “To expose the inner geometry, the artists cut openings from several angles, while also addressing the hanging balance of the piece, keeping in mind the central bubble must remain intact, as it becomes the diffuser for a light source.”

Each piece is handmade – blown, poured, carved, and polished – ensuring that no two are ever quite alike. It’s their individual and irregular qualities that make them beautifully unique.

black and white glass light fixture against dark grey background

black and white glass light fixture against dark grey background

glass light fixture against grey background

glass light fixture against grey background

black and white glass light fixture against dark grey background

black glass light fixture against grey background

glass light fixture against grey background

lit glass light fixture

styled lit glass light fixture

styled lit glass light fixture

styled glass light fixture

lit styled glass light fixture

lit styled glass light fixture

glass light fixture against grey background

black and white glass light fixture against grey background

glass light fixture against dark background

black and white glass light fixture against dark grey background

lit styled glass light fixture

lit styled glass light fixture

To learn more about 100, visit bocci.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.