Early Life and Education

Ivana Mašitová, born in 1961 in Česká Lípa, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), is a renowned Czech glass artist celebrated for her extraordinary cast glass sculptures. Her journey into the world of glass art began at the Specialized School of Glassmaking in Kamenický Šenov, where she studied from 1976 to 1980. She then advanced her education at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague, studying under the tutelage of the legendary glass artist Professor Stanislav Libenský and his wife, Jaroslava Brychtová, from 1980 to 1988.

Artistic Career and Style

Mašitová is known for her innovative and intricate cast glass sculptures, objects, and architectural works. Her art is characterized by a deep understanding of glass as a medium, which she manipulates with exceptional skill to create pieces that are both aesthetically stunning and technically complex. Her works are included in major modern art collections worldwide, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and the National Gallery in Prague.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her illustrious career, Ivana Mašitová has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to glass art. Some notable accolades include:

• 1989: 1st Prize, Jugend-Gestaltet-Preis, Munich, Germany.
• 2021: Bronze Medal “Lorenzo il Magnifico” for Sculpture at the Florence Biennale, XIII International Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Design, Italy.
• 2021: Artist of the Month, December 2021, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, Dallas, USA.
  
  

Exhibitions

Ivana Mašitová has showcased her work in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the globe. Some of her notable exhibitions include:

• 2023: Stanislav Libenský Awards, International Glass Exhibition, Prague, Czech Republic.
• 2023: Glasgalerie Stölting, Hamburg, Germany.
• 2023: The Gallery at Four India St., Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA.
• 2023: Habatat Galleries, Winston-Salem, USA.
• 2019: The International Exhibition of Glass, Kanazawa, Japan.
• 2017: Tyler Gallery, Vienna, Austria.
• 2015: Glass Gallery, Rouen, France.
• 2014: Gallery of Art, Hamburg, Germany.
• 2013: Czech Glass, Köln Am Rhein, Germany.
• 2012: Festival of Glass, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
• 2011: Art Glass Gallery, Villach, Austria.
• 2010: Julia Art Gallery, Utrecht, Netherlands.
  
  

Public Collections

Ivana Mašitová’s works are part of several prestigious public collections, including:

• Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK.
• Corning Museum of Glass, New York, USA.
• Brooklyn Museum, New York, USA.
• National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, Japan.
• Museum voor Sierkunst, Gent, Belgium.
• Kunstsammulungen der Veste, Coburg, Germany.
• National Gallery Prague, Czech Republic.
• Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, Czech Republic.
  
  

Legacy and Influence

Ivana Mašitová is widely regarded as one of the foremost contemporary glass artists, continuing the legacy of her mentor, Stanislav Libenský. Her work not only exemplifies technical mastery but also pushes the boundaries of glass art, making significant contributions to its evolution and appreciation worldwide. Her pieces are celebrated for their unique blend of creativity, precision, and emotional depth, securing her place as a leading figure in the field of glass art.

Ivana Mašitová’s dedication to her craft and her ability to innovate within the medium of glass have earned her a distinguished reputation, both in her native Czech Republic and internationally. Her work continues to inspire new generations of glass artists and enthusiasts alike.