They contain alltogether more than 50 pieces of modern Norwegian glass and ceramic art. The exhibitions have already been shown on different continents. Among the venues are New York, Tokyo, Beijing, Santiago de Chile, Sydney and Helsinki.
Figures in Contemporary Norwegian Ceramics presents recent works by 16 Norwegian ceramic artists, both established names and emerging talents. The curator Harald Solberg has chosen a classical theme of ceramic art, the figure, which is reinterpreted in a contemporary idiom. Tournai, Belgium was the last venue for the exhibition.
Contemporary Norwegian Glass shows contemporary glass art from Norway. The aim has been to present to an international public a number of Norway’s most respected and innovative artists, and to further strengthen the links between the glass making communities in Norway and abroad. 8 glass artists are represented.
Reykjavik, Iceland was the last venue for the exhibition.
Contemporary Norwegian Glass
The history of Norwegian glassmaking stretches back to 1741, when the first glassworks was founded here. Glassblowers, engravers and other master craftsmen came from many countries, and together with local farmers, who gave up tilling the soil to work in the new factory, they proceeded to make glass of an extremely high
quality. So, from the very start, Norway's glass can be said to have been both Norwegian and international.
The period since 1945 has been a particularly exciting one in Norwegian decorative arts, distinguished by originality, diversity and vitality. This exhibition presents contemporary glass art from Norway, a field where interesting developments are taking place. Our aim has been to present to an international public a number of our
country's most respected and innovative artists, and to further strengthen the links between the glass making communities in Norway and abroad. Some of the 8 participants in the exhibition are established names, others emerging young talents. Influential artists work for the big glass manufacturing companies, where they design beautiful glassware for everyday use, but where they also create their own art pieces - giving free rein to their love of form and colour. Others work in independent studio glass workshops, where the artist is in control of the entire creative process, from the design stage through to the finished, unique work of art. What they have in common is the will to explore the many and fascinating technical possibilities that the material offers. While keeping abreast of international trends in glass art, all participants have their own characteristic style, allowing us to perceive clearly the individuality of each artist.