CHIEF MINISTER OPENS NEW SOLO EXHIBITION FOR PRIZE WINNING CANBERRA GLASS ARTIST

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher tonight opened a solo exhibition at the Canberra Glassworks for Masahiro Asaka, the 2011 winner of the prestigious Ranamok Glass Prize.

The new exhibition, titled Transition - A Captured Moment, is Masahiro's first solo exhibition at the Canberra Glassworks. It includes the winning piece from Ranamok, and showcases the artist's distinctive style and experimental craft.

"Through this world class glassworks facility and the reputation of the ANU's Glass Workshop, it is wonderful that Canberra is able to attract and retain artists of Masahiro's calibre," the Chief Minister said.

"The Canberra Glassworks provides a pathway for graduating artists to continue their work and remain in the ACT, helping to foster a vibrant arts community here in Canberra.

"Masahiro's works are truly remarkable, and explore the tension between nature and the human experience from the artist's unique perspective," the Chief Minister said.

Masahiro graduated in 2008 with a Masters Degree from the ANU School of Art GlassWorkshop. He has since based and further developed his arts practice at the Canberra Glassworks.

"We are lucky as fellow artists and arts participants to have access to state-of-the-art facilities and organisations like the Canberra Glassworks that support and advocate for the arts within our community."
For more information about Transition - A Captured Moment please visit the Canberra Glasswork's website at http://www.canberraglassworks.com/

Media Contact:

Adina Cirson 6205 0384 0435 964 454 adina.cirson@act.gov.au

Kathryn Roberts 6205 0242 0478472039 kathryn.roberts@act.gov.au