Heller Gallery proudly presents “Past/Present,” a captivating solo exhibition featuring the extraordinary work of award-winning artist Toots Zynsky. This remarkable showcase, the gallery’s second solo exhibition of Zynsky’s creations, offers a unique glimpse into the artist’s evolution over the decades.
Zynsky’s distinctive style is characterized by her innovative Filet de Verre technique, a process that involves fusing thousands of hair-thin glass filaments to create sculptural vessel forms. These pieces are then meticulously hand-shaped while still hot in her kiln, resulting in undulating forms that are both visually striking and technically impressive.
The exhibition “Past/Present” brings together a carefully curated selection of Zynsky’s works, spanning from the 1980s to her most recent creations. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore 11 pieces from the artist’s archive alongside eight of her latest works, offering a comprehensive view of her artistic journey.
Zynsky’s relationship with color is profound and deeply personal. As a young artist, she experienced synesthesia, a neurological condition that caused her to perceive music as color. This unique gift has significantly influenced her work, resulting in pieces that are not only visually stunning but also imbued with a sense of musicality and rhythm.
Throughout her five-decade career, Toots Zynsky has established herself as a pioneer in the Studio Glass movement. Her innovative approach and distinctive style have earned her a place in over one hundred international museum and public collections, including prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs du Louvre.
Zynsky’s work has been praised by critics and curators alike for its ability to merge seductive beauty with meaningful references to environmental issues and personal experiences. Arthur C. Danto, the renowned art critic, once described her pieces as possessing a “convulsive beauty,” noting the intense interplay of color, texture, and light in her creations.
The “Past/Present” exhibition not only celebrates Zynsky’s artistic achievements but also marks a new chapter for Heller Gallery. This showcase inaugurates The Curator Lab at 529 West 20th Street, following the gallery’s departure from their Chelsea space in June 2024.
In Zynsky’s own words, “The complexity of life and the complexity of glass are very much alike, sometimes murky, harsh and unworkable, and sometimes serenely beautiful.” This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of her artistry, from past to present.
“Past/Present” will be on view from January 23 to February 15, 2025, inviting art enthusiasts and glass aficionados to immerse themselves in the luminous world of Toots Zynsky’s extraordinary creations.
