Stanislav Libenský

Drawings

Every glassmaker in the world knows the names of Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. The couple, who have been working together for almost fifty years, are primarily known for their molten glass sculptures that have been shown at numerous exhibitions both home and abroad. Evidence of their extremely fruitful work can be found in the collections of the world's leading museums and prestigious galleries of modern art in Europe, the United States, Japan, China and many other countries.

Although the two authors have been the subjects of numerous monographs, expert studies and catalogues, reflecting mainly their work on glass sculptures, the part of Libenský’s work dealing with drawing is not well known to the public. But it is precisely drawing which allows him to instantly record his feelings, thoughts and ideas. The author takes full advantage of the expressive possibilities of classical forms of drawing, giving us an opportunity to observe his ability to complement internal and external spaces. His drawings also clearly demonstrate his enormous sense of capturing the light permeability of materials, the finest nuances of expression, his refined composition skills and, last but not least, the playful interaction of structures and colours.

Libenský perceives drawing as a means of study and preparation, verifying the bearing capacity of his three-dimensional projects. In this respect, the author's drawing style preferred the simplicity of form, based on the author’s ever-deepening sense of exact expression of proportion. Its characteristics include the blending of basic geometric elements - cubes, spheres, cylinders, lines or curves. Libenský’s composition is based on clear and concise condensation.

However, this does not exhaust the potential of Libenský‘s drawings; his sculptor’s sensibility and sense of monumentality is reflected in his distinct structuring of space. Drawings capture ideas and thoughts, some of which were eventually turned into glass objects. In this case, the drawing is often more important than the goal - the resulting work – itself, because it provides us with the best insight into the artist's way of thinking.

 

Silvie Stanická