ALL YOU NEED IS GLASS. A SELECTION FROM THE INTERNATIONAL GLASS SYMPOSIUM 2024

This exhibition presents a curatorial selection of glass objects created at the 15th International Glass Symposium (IGS) in Nový Bor, held on October 3–6, 2024. In the years 1982–2006, the symposium was organized as a triennial by the Crystalex company of Nový Bor. In 2009 the role of chief organizer was taken over by the City of Nový Bor, in collaboration with the region’s glass companies and specialized schools.

The 15th symposium was attended by 45 artists and creative duos from 17 countries and all five populated continents. Artists, not only those from the glass milieu, have been selected to achieve the most variegated outcome in terms of geography, gender, age, and creative approach. They had at their disposal the production facilities of local glass enterprises. In spite of being natural competitors, the companies were ready to join forces for the purposes of the symposium, halt production, and invest considerable means, time, and skills of their employees so as to provide the artists with a creative environment.

Work in an unfamiliar setting, before an audience, with different technical amenities and type of molten glass, and moreover within a time span of only a few days poses a major challenge to the invited artists. Stepping out of their comfort zone and experimenting outside the “safety” of their own studios can be a struggle, frequently though one that brings one-of-a-kind solutions and surprising results.

The International Glass Symposium is a phenomenon in its own right; its tradition has lasted for over forty years. The event has been successfully organized every three years despite such turmoils as the dissolution of the former Czechoslovakia, the privatization of the original organizing entity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other obstacles. Each symposium is different, unique, hectic, and unforgettable. Most of the symposium’s programme is open to the general public. It offers an opportunity to see with one’s own eyes the creation of distinctive works of art, and to experience an authentic atmosphere in the glassworks and at accompanying events. This is an unrepeatable and exciting time charged with a creative atmosphere. This is a time when there is applause in the glasswork…

Companies where the artworks were made during the International Glass Symposium:

Ajeto Lindava, Ave Clara Polevsko, AZ Design Nový Bor, Kolektiv Ateliers Nový Bor, Novotný Glass Nový Bor, Pačinek Glass Kunratice u Cvikova, Sklárna Jílek Kamenický Šenov, glassmaking school in Kamenický Šenov, glassmaking school in Nový Bor, TGK – Skalice u České Lípy