By Light, by Place

Czech Centre‘s Window and Bouda Galleries present a unique exhibition showcasing different ways of understanding the use of traditional materials in a contemporary way: Studio LAD. offers a link between two artists working with glass and ceramics as a sculptural and painting medium creating a space between man and nature, while Petr Stanický creates objects and prints as spatial situations involving stories. Contemplative glass landscapes by Lada Semecka, and expressive ceramics sculptures by Petr Lada are on show at The Window Gallery while Stanický’s works inspired by architectural space can be seen at the neighbouring Bouda Gallery. The curator of the exhibition is Silvie Stanická, who describes the artists and the exhibition in the following way: The exhibition By Light, by Place presents a unique intersection between the world of glass and ceramics through the works of Lada Semecká, Petr Lada and Petr Stanický. These visual artists explore the possibilities and limits of these materials as expressive spatial structures, revealing their fragility, strength and aesthetic value. Lada Semecká, a visual artist known for her distinctive sensitivity to materials, reveals the delicate beauty of glass in her works as symbols of nature and natural processes. Her work uses moments of translucency, fragility and the depth of colour in glass to create visually captivating objects that have the ability to transport us to dreamscapes and reflections of natural events. Semecka masterfully combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches, resulting in works that resonate both aesthetically and emotionally. Her work not only explores the possibilities of glass as an artistic material, but also expresses a deep sensitivity and understanding of its visual qualities that never cease to amaze us in her renditions. Petr Lada brings to the world of ceramics both traditional and new and daring approaches that challenge the traditional boundaries of this material. His work stands out for its experimental use of glazes, textures and shapes, creating works that are both visually fascinating and thought provoking. Petr Lada focuses on the interaction between form and surface, often employing unusual techniques and combinations of materials. The result is ceramic objects that surprise with their originality and innovative conception. Petr Lada's works bring a new perspective on ceramics as a dynamic and modern artistic medium, a structure that reflects contemporary trends while honoring craft tradition. Petr Stanický brings to the exhibition his unique perspective on the interface between space, object and architectural element. His work often transcends the boundaries of glass towards architectural forms as he focuses on large-scale installations and sculptural objects. Stanický uses industrial glass to create structures and surfaces that explore space and matter in relation to the human. His experiments with space and the shaping of masses bring new possibilities for the materiality of glass and push it into the current areas of contemporary art. The exhibition brings together three artists who explore glass, ceramics and space from different perspectives and through different techniques. Together they show how these materials can be not only aesthetically appealing and strongly emotive, but also functional and innovative. In their works, glass and ceramics become vehicles for ideas, emotions and strong visual experiences, reflecting contemporary trends in art while honoring and problematizing traditional craft practices. The exhibition is an invitation both to discover and perceive the inner beauty of the materials and to uncover the hidden and symbolic worlds behind them. Silvie Stanická