Petr Hora is a renowned Czech glass artist who has made significant contributions to the contemporary glass art movement. Born on April 12, 1949, in Brno, Czech Republic, Hora’s journey in the world of glass art began with his formal education and has since spanned over five decades.

Education and Early Career

Hora’s educational background in glass-making is extensive:

• 1965-1967: Attended the Glass-making school in Chlum u Trebon, Czech Republic
• 1967-1971: Studied at the Applied Art College of Glass-making in Zelezny Brod, Czech Republic
  
  

After completing his studies, Hora began working at the Beranek glass factory in Skrdlovice in 1971. His talent and dedication led to his promotion to the position of Director at the factory in 1987.

Artistic Development

The political changes in Czechoslovakia in 1992 prompted Hora to establish his own studio, marking a significant turning point in his career. For over 20 years, Hora has been exploring glass as an art material, using his extraordinary imagination to create distinctive sculptures.

Hora’s artistic influences are diverse, drawing inspiration from ancient arts, pyramids, contemporary architecture, the human form, and images from nature. His work is characterized by its compelling use of color and light, and his meticulous attention to detail in grinding and polishing results in pieces that appear flawlessly simple yet are the product of intense labor.

Artistic Style and Technique

Petr Hora is known for his mastery of cast glass techniques. He has the ability to take simple glass forms and transform them into strong, dynamic, and beautiful sculptures. His work often features minimal lines and plays with light in a way that appears natural and effortless, despite the intense effort involved in their creation.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Hora has received several prestigious awards, including:

• Applied Arts Quadriennial, Erfurt
• IHM (International Handwerksmesse München) Bavarian State Award
• Gold Medal (specific event not mentioned in the sources)
  
  

Exhibitions

Hora’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide:

Solo Exhibitions:

• 1997, 1998, 2000: Heller Gallery, New York, USA
• 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006: Habatat Gallery, Boca Raton, USA
• 2002: Habatat Gallery, Royal Oak, USA
  
  

Selected Group Exhibitions:

• 1983: Internationale Handwekmesse, Munich, Germany
• 1989, 1991: International Exhibition of Glass, Kanazawa, Japan
• 1993: Czech and Japan Glass Festival – Prague, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagano
• 1995-1999: Heller Gallery, New York, USA
• 1996-2008: Habatat Gallery, Michigan, USA
• 2001: Habatat Gallery – International Glass Exhibition in Beijing and Shanghai
• 2003: Bohemian Glass Exhibition of Fascination, Czech embassy, Tokyo, Japan
• 2007: Habatat Gallery, Virginia, USA and Pismo gallery, Colorado, USA
• 2008: Habatat Gallery, Chicago, USA
  
  

Collections

Petr Hora’s works are part of several prestigious collections, including:

• Bohemian Art Glass Museum, Karuizawa, Japan
• Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, USA
• Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, USA
• Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, USA
• Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, USA
• Seven Bridges Foundation, Greenwich, USA
• The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, USA
  
  

Petr Hora’s contributions to the field of glass art have been significant, with his works continuing to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to glass sculpture have secured his place as a prominent figure in the contemporary glass art movement.