Jaromír Rybák is a renowned Czech glass artist known for his innovative sculptures and architectural works. Born in 1952 in Plzeň, Czech Republic, Rybák began his journey in the world of glass art at a young age.

Early Education and Training

At the age of 15, Rybák embarked on a four-year training course at the glass technical college in Železný Brod. Initially intending to work in the glass industry, his exceptional talent was recognized, and he was given the opportunity to further his education. From 1973 to 1979, Rybák studied glass design at the School of Applied Art in Prague under the tutelage of Stanislav Libenský, a prominent figure in the Czech glass art scene.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Rybák’s work is characterized by its imaginative and often provocative nature. He skillfully combines various techniques, including mould-melting, cutting, sandblasting, and engraving, to enhance the inherent luminosity of glass. His sculptures often explore the duality of beauty and ugliness, light and dark, creating forms that range from harmonious and restful to animated and aggressive.

Thematically, Rybák’s work often revolves around the symbolism of life and death, as well as the four elements. His figurative pieces frequently depict fantastical underwater creatures with strong emotional expressions. In recent years, his work has taken on more monstrous forms, with fish-like beasts, bird-like creatures, and strange plant mutations becoming increasingly prominent in his repertoire.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Jaromír Rybák has received several notable awards for his contributions to glass art:

• Third Prize at the 1985 Zweiter Coburger Glaspreis in Coburg, Germany
• Masaryk Art Academy Prize in 1996
  
  

Exhibitions and Workshops

Rybák has participated in numerous exhibitions and workshops around the world:

• International Glass Workshop, Musée du Verre, Sars Potteries, France (1987, 1997, 2003, 2006)
• Espase du verre, Montréal, Canada (1989)
• Sheridian college, Toronto, Canada (year unspecified)
• Light Transfigured—Contemporary Czech Glass Sculpture at Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (his first verified exhibition)
• “Landscape’s Imprint” (March 24 – October 1, 2023)
• “GLASS: TRENDS GLASS SCULPTURE” (December 12, 2009 – June 5, 2010)
• “JAROMÍR RYBÁK: ATLANTIS” (December 20, 2012 – March 3, 2013)
• “Trends in Contemporary Glass Art” (September 15 – October 15, 2014)
  
  

Additionally, Rybák organized a retrospective exhibition featuring 62 glass objects and 42 paintings to celebrate his anniversary.

Public Collections and Commissioned Works

Jaromír Rybák’s sculptures are featured in numerous public collections worldwide, including:

• Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York
• Grand Crystal Museum in Taipei, Taiwan
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France
• Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal in Montreal, Canada
• Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague, Czech Republic
  
  

His commissioned works and architectural installations can be found throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Jaromír Rybák continues to be an influential figure in the world of glass art, pushing the boundaries of the medium with his unique vision and technical mastery. His work challenges viewers to confront the complexities of human nature and the world around us, making him a significant contributor to contemporary glass sculpture.