Luminous Bodies: Figures in Glass

Throughout history, humans have always had a desire to represent ourselves through art. From Paleolithic cave drawings and ivory carvings, to contemporary sculptures, paintings, and photography, the human figure remains one of the most enduring subjects in art history.

Depictions of the human form convey many themes—power, beauty, remembrance, identity, morality, and even fantasy. Ultimately, however, they capture the broader narrative of what it means to be human. Portraying humankind creates connections to each other, reflecting what we see, what we wish to remember, and how we interpret our world.

The emergence of the Studio Glass Movement in 1962 shifted glass from a craft into a fine art. Since then, artists have explored traditional themes, genres, motifs, and aesthetics related to the human figure. Differing from conventional mediums, the artists use the formal qualities of glass, such as transparency, fragility, and luminescence, bringing new meaning to an old subject.

This exhibition, drawn from the permanent collection, features figures expressed in glass by artists such as Martin Blank, Latchezar Boyadjiev, Robin Grebe, Bertil Vallien, and Janusz Andrzej Walentynowicz.

This exhibition was curated by Brit Micho, Curator of Exhibitions. Support for the Glass Wing comes from the Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation, The Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation, Ann Spear Borne, Bob and Melanie Hall, Betsy and Jeff Kachmar, Jill and Doug Kinder, Pat and Ron Kohart, Jennie and Pat Pasterick, and Dorothy L. and Paul E. Shaffer.