A glass installation by Studio Drift is spreading its wings in a disused factory on the islands of Murano, Venice.

The 12-metre-long sculpture, titled ‘In 20 Steps’, mimics the movement of a flying bird with 20 pairs of suspended glass tubes flowing in a wave-like motion.

Light bounces off different parts of the installation as it oscillates in the air, continuously changing the dynamics of the space. Its skeletal form echoes the roof struts above.

‘“In 20 Steps” is a tribute to the human desire to fly, despite the force of gravity, and the poetry of persistence in the face of adversity,’ explains Studio Drift, the design firm founded by Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordijn.

The haunting installation is part of Glasstress 2015 Gotika – a collateral event at the Venice Biennale – celebrating the traditions of glassmaking together with contemporary art.

‘In 20 Steps’ will be in situ on Campiello della Pescheria, Murano, until 22 November.