Lightspeed

The inspiration for György Gáspár’s work comes from several sources: science fiction, 1980s action movies, the simplified forms of children’s toys, and weapons. Gáspár is one of a younger generation of European artists who believe that the development of strong concepts is as important as expertly executed glassmaking techniques. Following his graduation, in 2003, from the Hungarian Academy of Craft and Design, he established an independent studio practice in Budapest. Since 2006, he has taught glass at the Academy, now the Hungarian University of Art and Design. Currently, he is the head of the glass program there. Begun in 2006, the futuristic “Aliens” series plays with illusion to create space, and the optical glass sculptures reflect Gáspár’s interest in space travel and science fiction. According to the artist, “The ‘Aliens’ project is a glass sculpture series utilizing the newest technological experiments, and the aim of the series is to purposefully expand the technical boundaries of glass.”* Lightspeed is one of the most recent sculptures in Gáspár’s “Aliens” series, which are based on the artist’s research into theories about the cosmos developed by Stephen Hawking (British, b. 1942) and other physicists. Signed: “Gáspár 2014,” engraved at bottom right. Gáspár’s work is published in Gáspár: György Gáspár, Cast Glass Objects, 2002–2009, ed. Tímea Mohos, Budapest: G. Gáspár, 2009; and European Glass Context 2008, ed. Susanne Jøker Johnsen, Bornholm, Denmark: Bornholm Kunstmuseum, 2008, pp. 172–173. For more information, see http://www.gyorgygaspar.eu/. * Kornélia Nagy Koppány, personal communication, October 9, 2014.