Glass is an extremely delicate and demanding material. However, it allows the creation of stunning forms in an infinite number of patterns and colors. The unique designs of Polish glass form makers from the 1960s or 1970s are extremely fashionable today. At the ongoing exhibition at DESA Unicum in Warsaw, "Glass. Art. Design" showcases objects by the most important Polish artists associated with this material, including Stanisław Dawski, Michał Diament and Zbigniew Horbowy.
Glass forms are subjected to numerous processes, thanks to which they acquire their unique character. They are delicate and fragile, and their creation requires extraordinary craftsmanship. Polish glass designers experimented and sought innovative solutions, which is why their designs are in such high demand.
The exhibition "Glass. Art. Design" is largely devoted to the designs of the students of Stanislaw Dawski, an artist who co-founded the Department of Ceramics and Glass at the State Higher School of Fine Arts in Wroclaw. The Wroclaw school of glass is characterized by simplicity, symmetry and harmonious proportions.
The exhibition features designs by Dawski's most prominent students: Michał Diament, Zbigniew Horbowy, Ludwik Kiczura, Jan Sylwester Drost or Eryka Trzewik-Drost. As many as twenty of the presented objects come from the private collection of the professor, who, although he was focused on his teaching work and did not create glass himself, in cooperation with Alina Wołowska designed the vessels for the screen adaptation of the novel "The Deluge."
Stanislaw Dawski, decanter, 1970s, vessel from a set of utility glassware
designed for the filming of "The Deluge" directed by Jerzy Hoffman, 1974
© DESA Unicum
The domain of one of his students, Ludwik Kiczura, was experiments with coloring glass with oxides. His works have a painterly and expressive character. The exhibition features one of his sculptural forms, which appears malleable and can be formed again and again. Shimmering, colorful elements in shades of silver and blue make it resemble a magical glass ball.
Ludwik Kiczura, decorative form, 1970s.
© DESA Unicum
Another of Dawski's disciples, Stefan Sadowski, specialized in designing vessels made in soda glass, blown glass and crystal glass, as well as those molded by heat, among others. His unique yellow decorative form, presented at the exhibition, is one of the most sought after by collectors.
Stefan Sadowski, decorative form, 1970s.
© DESA Unicum
One of the most prominent designers of functional glass is Zbigniew Horbowy. He was associated with the "Sudety" Commercial Glassworks in Szczytna Śląska, where he began his career and created his most important designs: from subtle single-color glass, through ascetic, simple forms that were part of the trend of the Wroclaw school, to those bearing the characteristics of unique objects of antico glass.
Zbigniew Horbowy, vase from the Cyntia set, 1970s-80s, "Barbara" Artistic Glassworks in Polanica Zdrój.
© DESA Unicum
The exhibition will conclude with an AUCTION. On June 16 at 19:00 it will be possible to bid on all objects both online, through the app and by phone, as well as by standing order. The auction will be broadcast live on DESA Unicum auction house's social media channels. Until then, the exhibition can be viewed at the auction house's headquarters in Warsaw.
