The exhibition “Twenty Years On” has been curated by the internationally acclaimed British artist, Elizabeth Swinburne, who through her 23-years of experience as a glass artist, exhibition curator and tutor has played a large part in developing and promoting the international glass scene. Elizabeth Swinburne, who today lives in Scotland, is an active member of Glasmuseet’s Exhibition Committee.

 

The main theme of the exhibition focuses on the way forward. To show the rich creative content of contemporary glass, Swinburne has chosen not only to focus on new and young artists, but has also included established artists, who are actively questioning and pushing forwards in their own work with glass. It is in this way that the museum’s ambition to show the latest tendencies in contemporary glass can be fulfilled and at the same time show the continuity of 20 years of activity with a museum for international contemporary glass.

 

The pieces to be shown in the opening exhibition in the museum’s new wing all have a common feature in international tendencies and at the same time emphasise the artist’s individual expression. 20 artists representing 10 different countries have been invited to participate – an equal number of established artists as well as progressive young artists, the latter chosen based on their approach to glass and promising artistic talent.

 

The artists have been invited to participate with new pieces and some have been made especially for the show. It is important to stress that the artists have been free to choose what they would like to present. The museum is convinced that the result will contribute with innovative pieces, which can act as a source of inspiration over the coming years, and give a sense of direction. It will also show the span in technical approach to the material and the unique, creative language of each glass artist. The pieces included will show various techniques including blowing, casting, painting, pâte-de-verre, slumping, engraving and polishing.

 

 

The participating artists were:

Denmark: Finn Lyngaard and Stig Persson

Japan: Makoto Ito and Masayo Odahashi

United Kingdom: Alison Kinnaird and Emma Woffendon

Czech Republic: Jaroslava Bryctova and Alena Matejkova

The Netherlands: Mieke Groot and Laura Heyworth

Sweden: Bertil Vallien and Anna Norberg

USA: Joel Philip Myers and Jocelyne Prince

Australia: Brian Hirst and Kirstie Rea

Germany: Klaus Moje and Sibylle Perretti

Italy: Lino Tagliapietra and Sylvia Levenson