6AM's Glass Artistry: A Milanese Pool House Revival
The Murano glass studio 6AM has once again transformed an abandoned Milanese pool house into a captivating art installation, showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship and innovative use of glass. The exhibition, titled 'Over and Over and Over and Over', emphasizes the studio's mastery of repetition in artisanal glassmaking, creating a mesmerizing display within the historic Piscina Guido Romano.
The Art of Repetition in Glass
What makes 6AM's work so remarkable is their ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through repetition. The studio's glass pieces, ranging from hammered columns to delicate sconce lights, are on full display within the now-defunct pool house. The central hall, once housing the indoor swimming pool, now showcases a duo of monolithic columns made from three-millimetre-thick panels of rolled glass mounted to metal structures.
One column boasts a vivid blue hue, with silvery reflections due to traces of manganese from the production process. The other column presents a striking contrast with a black surface streaked with white. Standing at almost five meters tall, these columns rise from the former changing rooms, which were historically utilized as communal facilities by local residents.
6AM's attention to detail is evident in their use of light. Despite their dark and opaque appearance, the glass surfaces catch the light in unexpected ways, producing a subtle shimmer that shifts throughout the day, as the studio noted.
Structural Innovation: Paysage Walls
Another standout piece is the Paysage walls, a structural system created by local architect Hannes Peer. These walls are composed of hand-textured glass plates joined together to form a continuous plane, resembling traditional glass brick walls. One of the limited-edition walls is black, a rare feat in Murano glass creations due to the material's expense and technical challenges in production.
Seating and Installation: Bottega Veneta's Spring Summer 2026 Show
The building's central hall also features a dramatic installation of gleaming glass cubes that formed the seating for Bottega Veneta's Spring Summer 2026 show. Crafted using a cast-iron mould, these textured cubes come in 10 candy-like colours and were installed in a floor-to-ceiling transparent glass wall, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
A Familiar Setting for 6AM
This is not the first time that 6AM has inserted its intricate glassware in an old Milanese pool house. Last year, during Milan design week, the studio placed various pieces in the basement of Piscina Cozzi. The city-wide design week is currently in full swing, and 6AM's exhibition at Piscina Romano is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and design.
Conclusion: A Masterclass in Glass Artistry
In my opinion, 6AM's 'Over and Over and Over and Over' exhibition is a testament to the studio's exceptional craftsmanship and innovative use of glass. The transformation of the abandoned pool house into a captivating art installation showcases their ability to create something truly unique and memorable. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, design, and glass artistry.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the studio's exploration of repetition and the unexpected ways in which glass can interact with light and space. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of the ordinary and the power of artistic expression. From my perspective, 6AM has once again raised the bar for glass art, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit this captivating installation.
