Ji Huang is an internationally renowned glass artist whose pioneering methods explore the changing dynamics of virtual reality.

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During his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington in 2017, Huang developed a fascination with the history and daily experience of glass-making. His subsequent time at Pilchuck Glass School, along with residencies in Italy and Canada, inspired him to master existing techniques and develop new experimental methods.

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Inspired by his Chinese heritage, Huang’s recent work focuses on a glass-making technique involving a style of lacquer called ‘Xi Pi’. During a labour-intensive process, he creates each original form in wax and textures it by hand before making a refractory mould using the lost wax.

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A prepared layered colour cup is blown into the pre-heated mould by an experienced glass-blower, which is finally removed and finished after a 48-hour cooling cycle. The result is an almost surreal surface quality that transforms the original material beyond recognition.

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Ji Huang is the first artist to successfully fuse lacquer with glass, earning him global recognition.

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He has won numerous awards around the world and has had a piece commissioned and put on permanent display in The V&A Museum, London.