National Glass Biennale

The National Gallery, Square 500, presents:
Opening: 18 September, Thursday, at 6:00 PM
Venue: Square 500, St. Alexander Nevsky Square, 1 19th February Street

The International Glass Biennale marks its fifth edition, reaffirming its role as a leading platform for contemporary glass art in Bulgaria and internationally. Since its founding in 2017, the Biennale has attracted a growing number of artists and audiences, evolving into an important forum for the exchange of ideas and cultural dialogue. Traditionally held under the motto “Together”, this year’s edition at the National Gallery / Square 500 will present nearly 200 works by artists from 50 countries—an impressive selection bringing together established and emerging names, different generations, and a wide diversity of techniques.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are works by Václav Cigler (Czech Republic)—one of the most influential figures in the development of optical glass and conceptual sculpture; a blown-glass piece by the world-renowned Dale Chihuly (USA); a vase with applied elements and mythological symbolism by the Murano master Lucio Bubacco (Italy); and a spatial-analytical work by artist and architect Han de Kluiver (Netherlands). This edition includes several key collaborations, including a French–Bulgarian artist residency held at CIRVA (Marseille), New Bulgarian University, and the National Academy of Arts, featuring artists Clara Rivault and Plamen Kondov; a guest exhibition by the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław; and the participation of finalists from the World Cup of Cold Glass Working in Světlá nad Sázavou. The event is organized by the Art Real K.L.M. Association in partnership with the National Gallery, with the support of the Tianadera Foundation (USA), New Bulgarian University, the French Institute in Bulgaria, the Italian Cultural Institute in Sofia, the National Donation Fund “13 Centuries Bulgaria”, the Czech Centre in Sofia, Chihuly Studio, Charles Parriott, as well as numerous galleries, institutions, and individuals committed to the development of contemporary glass art.

Media Partner: BTA / Bulgarian News Agency.

ВАЦЛАВ ЦИГЛЕР, Чехия
Пространствена композиция, 1981
оптично стъкло, плоско стъкло, студена обработка, 8 x 50 x 50 см

VÁCLAV CIGLER, Czech Republic
Spatial Composition, 1981
optical glass, sheet glass, cold worked, 8 x 50 x 50 cm