Václav Cigler

Václav Cigler is an internationally respected glass artist and teacher, the creator of many glass works of art for architecture, and designer of jewellery and watches. The main theme of his work is the relationship between glass, light, water, natural and architectonic space and the human being.

He decided to study art while he was studying at the grammar school in Vsetín. After graduating in 1948, he enrolled at the Glass School in Nový Bor and then continued his studies in the studio of Josef Kaplický at the Academy of Arts Architecture and Design in Prague, from which he graduated in 1957. In 1965, at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, he founded the studio of glass in architecture, which he was head of until1979. He thus educated a whole generation of significant personalities active in the sphere of art in Slovakia. His work influenced Czech and German glass artists, especially during the 1970s.

Several basic principles and processes are essential throughout Václav Cigner's work. First of all, he sketches out his designs. He chooses elementary geometrical forms for his glass artwork. He concentrates on utilizing the optical properties of glass. He contrasts massive, smoothly polished, straightforward blocks of glass with the outside environment. The image of the surrounding world is thus altered, multiplied, magnified and deformed. Spectators are drawn into this game with light and motion which changes with their every move.

A vast chapter of Cigler's work consists of his reflections on landscape, and he is interested in the effect of glass, but also of water and light. He creates grand designs close in concept to land-art, organizes water surfaces and creates light corridors. However, he has only managed to bring a handful of these bold ideas to fruition.

Cigler's best known artwork is closely bound to the relationship of glass to architectonic space. He chooses minimalist media and forms, composes units which human beings can traverse, and senses changes in space. However, he also creates works of art using glass or light.
 

1967–1972
Light art
Slovak National Theatre, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

1979
Light art
Government Office of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

1983–1985
Installation in Prague underground

1990–1992
Artwork in the foyer of the Nationale Nederlande building
Rotterdam, the Netherlands

2000–2001
Terrace and glass footbridge
Museum Kampa, Sovovy mlýny, Prague

2009
Wings mirrored on the surface of water
Fraeylemaborg Chateau, the Netherlands