In the world of art, ornamentation occupies a unique position in every way. At all times and in all cultures where humans have left their traces, we can recognise the urge to decorate and embellish. Any viewer can straddle without difficulty over time and place and find pleasure in ornamentation and patterns from remote places and bygone times, for the simple reason that ornament and patterns precede everything else. Winding ornamentation, stylised imitations of animals and plants, and geometric patterns came long before spoken and written language. 

In spite of this, ornamentation has been more or less invisible in modern western art in the last hundred years. With the rise of modernism, it practically disappeared from architecture and the art scene. In the wake of industrialisation and mass production, it was seen as a disruptive element that should be sacrificed in the desire for rationalisation and simplicity.
 
Since then, patterns and ornamentation have not played a dominant role in mainstream trends in the arts of the 20th century. They have not disappeared, however! Ornamentation still exists, most clearly seen in and on architecture, applied art and art craftsmanship, but those who look carefully can also find it in pictorial art. It is often sporadic, like an underlying structure, and occasionally seen as full-toned patterns and decoration. 

In terms of contemporary glass a number of artists have kept up the interest in form, line and colour, and for some it is a central element in its own right. The exhibition focuses on some of these artists and we can allow ourselves to be seduced by the way they play with patterns and materials.
 
Naturally, most of those participating are glass artists. As a prelude to the actual exhibition we have found space for a small number of works and objects in other materials, such as ceramics, wood, textiles and painting. This display can be seen as an introduction to the subject that unfolds in earnest in the exhibition itself. With the display we want to draw attention to patterns and ornamentation which, although they are only given a minor role in modern art, are still valued and all-pervasive. 

We also aim to place glass in a wider context, showing that glass artists’ endeavours and considerations are shared with artists who work in other materials. We have selected a broad group of international glass artists, working with very different concepts and techniques, which we believe, will give a very varied and expressive exhibition.
 
The exhibition will also be supplemented with a programme of public promotional events and activities.
 
See the Agenda>

GLASMUSEET EBELTOFT
Strandvejen 8
DK-8400 Ebeltoft
+45 (0)8634-1799
www.glasmuseet.dk