Cannons of Hope 04 Hand Blown Glass Vase

CANNONS OF HOPE תותחים של תקוה
Limited Edition of Twelve. Each is one of a kind.

Each hand blown glass vase come with a custom silicone ring base.
An illuminated plinth can be purchased separately.

Cannons of Hope is a poignant expression of Ilan El's military service experiences as a soldier during the Gulf War and a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of conflict.
With a long history of military combat, Israeli soldiers, when presented with such violence, sing a famous song, “Flowers in the Barrel”, the heartfelt lyrics of which express a hopeful longing for a time of peace, where cannons are loaded with flowers instead of missiles.
Cannons of Hope creates a powerful metaphor for the resilience of the human spirit in the face of destruction. Using El’s highly acclaimed Cannon Vase range as its basis, this iteration of distorted vases, melted by overheating and deformed by stress, fire beams of light, casting a luminous cloud of hope and determination.
The use of glass as a medium highlights the delicate balance between control and unpredictability, characterising the creative process. Glass has its own will and yet is inherently fragile and vulnerable, creating a deeper layer of meaning to the work. The use of light expresses hope in darkness, where one state's experience relies on the juxtaposition of the other.
Set within the context of Fragile El’s sculptural installation is a powerful and moving tribute to the human spirit, highlighting the fragility and resilience that portrays our experience of the world, speaking to the enduring power of hope and the transformative potential of art and design.

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Ilan El is the founder and visionary behind ILANEL P/L, a Melbourne-based atelier celebrated for its bespoke luminaires and large-scale light-based installations. Ilan's creative journey began with training and practicing as an architect, where he developed a strong foundation in design and spatial concepts. In 2005, he joined the Master of Design program at RMIT University, where he deepened his understanding of lighting design principles, the physics of light, and its psychological and emotional impact on people.

This transformative experience sparked Ilan's passion for crafting immersive and experiential lighting. Fascinated by the interplay of light, colour, and perception, Ilan explored how light could create emotional resonance and enhance human connections. His designs often incorporate interactive, playful, and automated elements, showcasing light's transformative power to inspire joy and foster a sense of connectivity.

In 2010, Ilan established ILANEL P/L, a practice dedicated to the creation of custom lighting pieces and large-scale installations. His work is characterised by its innovative approach to the visible spectrum, exploring how light interacts with form, movement, and reflection. From glowing sculptural objects to captivating installations, Ilan's creations often transform spaces into dynamic environments that encourage engagement and introspection.

Ilan’s work, highlight his ability to seamlessly blend art, design, and technology. His work has been featured in prestigious events such as the 2020 NGV Triennial, cementing his reputation as a leader in contemporary luminaire design. Through his practice, Ilan continues to redefine the role of light in design, offering experiences that are as functional as they are poetic.