Bertil Vallien is a world-renowned Swedish artist who has made an indelible impact on the world of blown glass. Born in 1938 in the small town of Sölvesborg, Vallien was trained in graphic design and ceramics before discovering his true passion for glass in the mid-1960s. In 1971, he began working with Kosta Boda, a Swedish glassworks company founded in 1742, and quickly became one of their most famous and prolific artists.

Kosta Boda is known for its high-quality glasswork and its commitment to innovation and experimentation. With Vallien at the helm, the company produced some of its most iconic designs, such as the “Satellite” and “Head” series, which feature mysterious, organic shapes that blur the line between art and function.

Vallien’s glasswork is characterized by his use of sandcasting, a technique that involves pouring molten glass into a mold made of sand. This creates a rough, textured surface that gives his pieces a distinctive and tactile quality. Vallien’s signature motifs include faces and heads, which he often incorporates into larger sculptures and installations.

One of Vallien’s most famous works is the “Message in a Bottle” installation, which he created for the Venice Biennale in 1995. The piece consisted of dozens of glass bottles, each containing a handwritten message from Vallien, which visitors to the exhibition were invited to read.

Vallien has won numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Lunning Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. He has exhibited his work all over the world and his pieces can be found in the collections of major museums and galleries, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Kosta Boda’s collaboration with Bertil Vallien has helped to establish the company as one of the most innovative and exciting glassworks in the world. Vallien’s use of sandcasting, his unique motifs, and his commitment to experimentation have all helped to push the company forward and cement its reputation as a leader in the world of glass art.

In conclusion, Bertil Vallien’s partnership with Kosta Boda has produced some of the most iconic and memorable glasswork of the past century. Through his use of sandcasting and his distinctive motifs, Vallien has created pieces that are both beautiful and thought-provoking, blurring the line between art and function. Vallien’s work has had a profound impact on the world of glass art and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and designers.