Jiřina Žertová – Cross Section

Exhibition date:  April – May 2005

Glasgalerie Hittfeld is pleased to offer you an insight into the work of Jiřina Žertová. She has been part of the studio glass movement from the very beginning and has now worked with the material for over 50 years. As early as 1957, she gained recognition at the Milan Triennale, where she was awarded the Silver Medal for a carafe featuring polished decoration.

Nevertheless, the focus of Jiřina Žertová’s artistic practice has always been—and remains—painted glass.

In her early work, she painted blown glass objects using a unique technique. In the 1990s, she began to develop colourful compositions on flat glass panels. By layering these painted panels, a compelling interplay arises between the geometric structure of the stacked glass and the vivid spatial depth of the coloured interior.

This tension is heightened by the viewer’s movement. The repetition of structures—sometimes supported by mirrors—opens up new spatial dimensions and gives rise to three-dimensional imagery. Her use of colour compositions serves to underscore the artistic message.

Jiřina Žertová was present at the opening of this exhibition at Glasgalerie Hittfeld on Sunday, April 10, 2005.

Her painted glass objects are included in the collections of numerous international museums.