28.03. – 28.05. 2018
The Czech Republic is rightfully proud of its globally recognised tradition of glassmaking. Today, glass-oriented artistic abstraction is regarded as a natural, albeit still somewhat peculiar, component of the arts. And so when an artist emerges, entirely removed from this framework, Czech art critics are often left scratching their heads. Martin Janecký’s expressive realism is somewhat alien to the Czech art scene, meaning it isn’t always met with a clear sense of comprehension. It is as if non-abstract works should primarily be viewed as handicraft instead of art. But in Janecký’s case, superb handicraft serves as a springboard for this unique artist to be able to capture emotions in his glass works. And such power is something we find only very rarely in the contemporary world of studio glass art.
Hands, 2018, hand blown and shaped glass – “Inside sculpting”, Photo: Gabriel Urbánek
The Liberec-born Martin Janecký began working with glass at the age of thirteen at his father’s firm. After graduating from the Glass School Nový Bor he set out into the wider world. He gained experiences in places as far afield as South Africa, Sweden, Holland, and chiefly in the US, where he studied at the Pilchuck Glass School under Richard Royal and William Morris. It wasn’t long before Janecký himself became a highly sought teacher in his field. Among his most recognised strengths is an ability to master the glass moulding technology of so-called blowing and sculpting “inside the bubble”, a technique used to create startling original works.
Head, 2018, hand blown and shaped glass – “Inside sculpting”, Photo: Gabriel Urbánek
Today, Janecký has earned a rightful place among the greatest not just Czech, but also global, stars of the glass art scene. His original works are generating great enthusiasm among galleries and collectors, including from global celebrities. His successes are not just the result of talent, creativity, and artistic boldness, but chiefly a considerable amount of hard work. Expertise in the field of glass art requires constant application and searching out new limits – and that is only possible with an all-encompassing day-to-day dedication. Although Janecký’s confidence as an artist has undoubtedly grown, he nonetheless remains humble with regards to his chosen material, knowing there is still so much to discover. And this approach is evidently one of the key reasons why Martin Janecký’s glass works are so remarkably distinct.
Petr Novy
Head Curator of Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou
Curator Galerie Kuzebauch