Liza Read

Liza Read uses holograms in mixed media to create art that investigates our cultural relationship with Science.  Read develops the flat glass holograms into engaging, hands on experiences.

Read learned the art of holography from pioneer Fred Unterseher in his legendary Holografix studio while completing her BFA at the San Francisco Art Institute. Her current holograms are made in master holographer Inaki Berguiristain’s UK studio. Read lives and works in Cambridge, England.

Inspired by the innovative research being carried out at the University of Cambridge, Read has been producing art in response, working in collaboration with scientists from the departments of Chemistry, Archaeology & Anthropology and the Computer Laboratory. Exhibitions in the UK include the Pint of Science Festival, Creative Reactions, Festival of Ideas and Science Week.

Read recently founded the company Growing Art Partnerships to bridge the gap between art and science. GAP hosts educational events, talks and workshops on light and holography for the e-Luminate Foundation, the IET, Institute of Physics and Anglia Ruskin University.

‘To Hell and Back’ is Read’s latest fine art series, a thought provoking contemporary reference to the Circles of Hell in Dante’s Inferno. These tactile pieces will exhibit alongside a new collection of uplifting silkscreen print works at Gallery 286, London in November 2017.

Statement

Embedded in frames, boxes, paper, books, these are holograms in disguise. They seem familiar, approachable objects. Pieces that tempt you to come in for closer inspection, to examine, explore and discover the hologram almost as an element of surprise. I feel my artworks should provoke deep thoughts, but never be intimidating. They provide the answer, or sometimes beg the question. I love to see the expressions of pure joy and wonder that happen when people are allowed to let themselves be amazed.