Walker Art Gallery unveils a new conversation piece

A new blown glass and mixed media artwork has gone on display at the Walker Art Gallery.

Chris Day’s Now you see me sits beside early 18th Century Scottish artist Gawen Hamilton’s oil painting The Card Party which inspired it and in which a small Black servant is hidden within the scene.

The new artwork is presented by the Contemporary Arts Society and will be in situ at the Walker until November 24.

In it, Day’s innovative signature 'copper cages' encase blown glass pieces, creating the impression of a reflective surface where viewers can observe an image that is present, yet not quite there – mirroring the essence of the boy in the painting.

A former heating engineer, Day studied ceramics and glass at Wolverhampton University, graduating in 2021 with an MA in Design and Applied Art. His trade as a plumber informs his artistic practice, and he incorporates found materials used in the heating industry into his work.

He describes himself as mixed race and often explores his identity through his artworks. He has researched themes linked to the trade in enslaved African people and its legacies, and through his works he seeks to engage his audience on difficult issues.

The artist says: “My passion lies in making work that sparks reflection on the transatlantic slave trade. I’m delighted to have the chance to create a commission that will start a conversation in Liverpool, so deeply rooted in that trade.

“I’m proud that my work will be part of the Walker’s collections and eager to see the reactions and discussions it may provoke.”

Gawen Hamilton was born in Scotland in 1699 and after starting his career painting life sized portraits he moved to London in the 1720s and became one of the earliest British painters of ‘conversation pieces’.

The painting in the Walker collection was acquired in 1945 and is a copy of an original (another version is in the Tate collection in London) and was painted between 1725 and 1737 when Hamilton died.

Now you see me is on display at the Walker Art Gallery until November 24.