Glass Exhibition – Winter 2022/23

Vladimira Klumpar, educated in Železný Brod and at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague under Stanislav Libenský, is internationally recognized for her sculptural glass works that merge geometric precision with organic fluidity. Her large-scale, kiln-cast pieces play with light, color, and transparency to evoke natural forms while exploring optical geometry. Having lived and worked in the U.S. and Portugal, Klumpar’s art reflects a balance of structure and spontaneity, shaped by diverse cultural influences.

Matyas Pavlik, born into a family of renowned glass artists, developed his artistic voice through a multicultural upbringing and early exposure to both design and sculpture. After studying in San Francisco and Prague, he returned to the Czech Republic to refine his glass casting skills alongside his mother, Vladimíra Klumpar, near the historic “Crystal Valley.” His internationally exhibited sculptures merge traditional Czech techniques with contemporary forms, balancing organic curves and geometric precision in a distinctly modern expression.

Petr Hora, a seasoned artist with roots in the Applied College of Glassmaking, embarked on his creative journey in 1965. The Velvet Revolution marked a pivotal moment in his career, prompting the establishment of his own studio. Hora’s colored glass sculptures, meticulously crafted with a fusion of matte and polished surfaces, are inspired by basic geometric shapes and modern architecture. The interplay of light within these monochromatic sculptures adds a subtle and mysterious dimension, showcasing his design sensibility.

Jaroslav Wasserbauer, a representative of the younger generation, draws inspiration from the traditional school of Czech studio glass art. While respecting the heritage of masters like Stanislav Libenský, Wasserbauer forges his distinctive style with a focus on glass melting and geometric forms influenced by architecture. His forward-looking approach, coupled with a commitment to tradition, is evident in the captivating interplay of transparency, light, and shadow in his creations.

Peter Mandl, a sculptor devoted to capturing fleeting moments in solid forms of glass and bronze, transports spectators into a realm where movements freeze, telling stories inspired by nature and the human body. Through a unique form and melding technique, Mandl’s exquisite sculptures, displayed in private and public collections worldwide, evoke curiosity and tranquility simultaneously, caressing the soul with their timeless beauty.

Josef Marek, channels the natural qualities of glass to create unreal spaces with a mysterious ambiance. Influenced, perhaps, by his time in Japan, Marek’s simple and minimalistic forms defy gravity, presenting viewers with sculptures that challenge perception. His strong imagination, combined with sculptural training, allows him to approach glass from diverse angles, showcasing the exceptional depth achievable in a limited space.

Bohumil Eliáš Jr., raised in an artist family and educated at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague under Prof. Jan Hendrych, combines classical sculptural knowledge with early hands-on experience in his father’s renowned glass studio. Drawing on techniques developed by his father, a cofounder of the “studio glass” movement, he continues to reinterpret them in a contemporary context. His work, often characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, integrates glass with other materials and features recurring architectural and organic motifs, emphasizing transparency and reflection.

Marian Volráb, born into a glassmaking family, studied glass engraving in Kamenický Šenov and later continued at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague under Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslav Svoboda, deepening his artistic path through work with Vladimír Kopecký. His sculptural practice, marked by rough engraving and raw surface treatment, breaks away from traditional glass aesthetics to explore emotional depth, solitude, and human vulnerability.

This exhibition celebrates the rich diversity of glass artistry, highlighting the mastery of these artists who, through their unique perspectives and techniques, continue to shape and redefine the boundaries of what is achievable with this extraordinary medium.