Realms of Reflection

Cast glass.

170 x 90 x 50 cm.

2023.

Using cast and polished glass, Karen aims to alter our perceptions of space through the material’s reflections. Black mirrors have been used throughout history, from the mystical, scrying and moon viewing, to the technological and aesthetic, for example the Claude Glass used by 17th century landscape painters.

In her Black Mirror series, Browning explores the historical and mystical side of black mirrors, traditionally used for scrying (looking into the future) whilst also combining this with historical use of black mirrors by landscape painters such as Claude Lorrain.

‘In the mirror I see myself there where I am not, in an unreal, virtual space that opens up behind the surface.’ Foucault, Of Other Spaces: Utopias and Heterotopias.

The Realms of Reflection: Delving into the intricate interplay between perception, reality, surrealism, magic and philosophical thought. Inspired by Rene Magritte’s ‘L’Empire de la Reflexion it is an exploration of the many realms and concepts of black mirrors from the mystical, traditionally used for scrying, as artistic tools such as Claude mirrors named after Claude Lorrain and Foucault’s ideas of heterotopia, worlds within worlds, mirroring and yet upsetting what is outside. Inviting the viewers to reflect not only on the artwork itself but on their own existence in the world around them, transporting them into a realm where the ordinary becomes the extraordinary, questioning the boundaries of perception by challenging the viewer to embrace the inherent distortion and ambiguity in the artwork.

This installation is a striking homage to the surrealist painter Rene Magritte. At its center is a large, round, cast glass black mirror, reminiscent of the moon, placed on an easel. This mirror reflects the surrounding landscape, echoing Magritte’s iconic painting of the Earth suspended in the sky. The easel not only supports the mirror but also symbolises the world of painting, creating a direct link to Magritte’s oeuvre.

Through the act of reflection, the installation provokes contemplation about perception, reality, and art’s role in representing the world. It invites viewers to engage with Magritte’s themes of surrealism and the juxtaposition of ordinary objects in extraordinary contexts. The mirror’s black surface adds an air of mystery, while its round shape enhances the dreamlike quality of the piece. Ultimately, this installation is a thought-provoking visual and conceptual dialogue with Magritte’s work, encouraging viewers to question the boundaries between art and reality.