Dezeen Magazine

Lene Bødker's glass sculptures reference the human torso

Lene Bødker combined the classical motif of a human torso with nature in her sculptures, which are featured in the Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022 collaboration.

One of 10 designs featured in this year's The Mindcraft Project exhibition, Danish glass artist Lene Bødker created Morphosis I and II with reference to tree trunks and the human torso with the aim of encapsulating our connection with nature.

Photograph showing a green and brown-toned textural glass sculptures on white plinths
The pair are informed by the human body as well as trees

Bødker employed the lost-wax casting technique to create the sculptures, initially creating complex clay moulds that echo the texture of a tree's bark before casting them in solid coloured glass.

Their patinas were then refined with both handcrafted and machined techniques including grinding, acid treating and polishing to achieve an irregular finish.

Detail of brown textured glass sculpture
Their glass finish allows light to bring them to life

"The visual references of the works are deliberately left open for interpretation, encouraging the audience to approach and connect with the two objects," said Bødker.

"The play of light and texture only assists in drawing in the viewer as the forms shift and change with passing light and the position of the audience."

Photograph of artist with sculpture
Each piece is the result of a multi-stage technical process

The pieces follow similar themes to the rest of Bødker's body of work, which places emphasis on biology and philosophy, combined with similarly meticulous and complex manufacturing processes.

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022 is a partnership between Dezeen and Copenhagen Design Agency. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

More images

Photograph of artist with sculptures
Photograph of artist with sculpture
Photograph of artist with sculpture
Photograph of artist with sculpture
Detail of green textured glass sculpture
Detail of brown textured glass sculpture
Detail of green textured glass sculpture