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The Kaanch Glass Series Is a Study in Opposing Ideas

05.22.23 | By
The Kaanch Glass Series Is a Study in Opposing Ideas

The Kaanch Glass Series is the abstract, colorful result of a collaboration between Diego Olivero Studio and talented Indian artisans. The one-of-a-kind objects and lamps translate the Delhi-based artisans’ craft into unique glass art – in fact, Kaanch is Hindi for “glass.”

Inspired by the opposing ideas of chaos and noise, peace and stillness, colors and transparency, and connections and independence, Kaanch fuses these themes together. To do it, each of the 11 pieces in the series features elements of colorful glass attached to the exterior of its empty vessel as an expression of emotions.

two clear glass cylinders with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

For the collaboration, Borosilicate glass was used. Invented in Germany during the late 1800s, it’s a special type of the material with a very low chance of thermal expansion – meaning it won’t crack under extreme temperature changes like regular glass. This extreme durability is exactly what makes Borosilicate the go-to glass for high-end restaurants, wineries, and designers.

a light-skinned hand touching a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

“I was thrilled to collaborate with these incredible skilled glass artisans, with their historical knowledge of glass combined with their modern visions,” shared Diego Olivero. “These objects contain all the beauty, colors, flavors, noise, and peace that is India… The Kaanch series reinvents the familiar, creating unexpected moments of thought, play, reflection, and surprise.”

clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

detail of a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

detail of a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

detail of a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

detail of a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

table lamp made from a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

hanging lamp made from a clear glass cylinder with abstract colored shapes of glass attached to the exterior

abstract clear and red glass hanging light

abstract clear and yellow glass hanging light

abstract clear and green glass hanging light

abstract clear and blue glass hanging light

The Kaanch Glass Series will be featured at Materiaaal’s “Materials That Disobey” during NYCxDesign Week at Diego Olivero Studio in Dumbo Brooklyn (65 Pearl Street, 224-224A) through May 25, 2023 (12am to 6pm). To learn more about the Kaanch glass series, visit diegoolivero.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.