Bertil Vallien Figurative Sculptures

The renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien has created Azur Moon. It is an exclusive art object in blue glass, cast in a charcoal mold, with an imprint of a face under the moon...

The renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien has created Azur Stairs. It is an exclusive art object in blue glass, cast in a charcoal mold, with an imprint of a face above a stai...

The renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien has created Azur Frost. It is an exclusive art object in blue glass, cast in a charcoal mold, with a sandblasted imprint of a face. T...

In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head, which has become one of his most prominent symbols. Since then, he has made a variety of ‘in...

In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head, which has become one of his most prominent symbols. Since then, he has made a variety of ‘in...

Caspar is a creation by the renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien who sees the boat as a symbol of freedom and solitude. The boat has become one of his main signatures, recrea...

In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head, which has become one of his most prominent symbols. Since then, he has made a variety of ‘in...

Drifter is a creation by the renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien who sees the boat as a symbol of freedom and solitude. The boat has become one of his main signatures, recre...

As a sculptor, Bertil Vallien has transformed Michelangelo’s marble block into a transparent glass cube. They have the same eye as artists: a hidden secret is sealed inside the glass...

“Everything has an inside. And at the center is a core – and that is you. But I like that you dress up for me, too!” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created th...

“Blue like the sky and the sea. Like a cloudless day, light-hearted. I think about it when the clouds roll in, and I’m in need of a daydream.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist...

“Yes, I see you. All of you. I don’t want to be careless. You should feel it in your heart – that I see you and that I understand.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Val...

“I feel warm when I think of you. Warm and lovely, as if a fire was burning in my heart.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created...

“Your very existence is enough. And it makes my existence easier. Life is best when we share it.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – th...

Architects and children tend to be fascinated by stairs. Bertil shares that love! For over four decades, he has created and explored glass sculptures in which stairs are the lifebloo...

“Did you hesitate? Was something holding you back? Let it go. I know you can!” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head, which has b...

With Earth Home, the renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien has created a miniature world inspired by our place on the planet. The object in clear glass is colored light green and blue...

In the hands of Bertil Vallien, the message through glass is both visible and hidden. With a love for nature – with his daily walks in the woods and along the water – he has learned ...

The renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien has created Headman, an art glass object in clear glass with silver leaves inside, forming a face. The head is a recurring Bertil Val...

The significance of ships and boats has always been present in Bertil Vallien’s life and work. Like an imaginary space, he has journeyed through glass. He sails his boat, seeing men ...

The renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien has created Azur Man. It is an exclusive art object in blue glass, cast in a charcoal mold, with an imprint of a face. The face is a ...

Drifter is a creation by the renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien who sees the boat as a symbol of freedom and solitude. The boat has become one of his main signatures, recre...

The myth of ”wandering” air bubbles has always been present at the glassworks of Kosta, Sweden. Bertil Vallien has given this some consideration when he made the transparent sculptur...

Bertil Vallien first introduced Brains in 1999, having considered the concept for well over a decade. His aim was to capture a sleeping yet breathing soul in the secretive state betw...

With Earth My Universe, the renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien has created a miniature world inspired by our place on the planet. The object has a merge of color variations, resemb...

Bertil Vallien began spending time with these sand-casted heads in the mid-90s. One half is awake and one asleep, if you like. In mythology, Janus was the god responsible for dawn a...

Memory Boat is an art glass creation by the renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien who sees the boat as a symbol of freedom and solitude. The boat has become one of his main si...

Vertical Journey is a creation by the renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien who sees the boat as a symbol of freedom and solitude. The boat has become one of his main signatur...

The renowned Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien has created Headman, an art glass object in blue glass with silver leaves inside, forming a face. The head is a recurring Bertil Vall...

With Earth Midnight, the renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien has created a miniature world inspired by our place on the planet. The object in clear glass is colored dark blue and ha...

Beans is a creation by the renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien as an homage to the icon of Swedish glass design, Ingeborg Lundin. The collection is inspired by her well-known glass ...

The renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien has designed a stand for his collection Brains, which has space for 12 objects – the ideal item for all collectors. The piece is unfinished b...

Bertil Vallien is devoted and consistent. His objects created for Kosta Boda develop over time, and he is always looking to extract more from his work. Gatekeeper is a case in point. Previous executions range from charcoal drawings to glass and metal objects. In the summer of 2021, large-format adaptations were exhibited in the famous garden of the Royal Palace “Solliden”, on Öland in Sweden, providing a magnificent spectacle for the audience. The two impressive Gatekeeper figures from the exhibition – almost 20 inches tall and fixed by thin wires – gave the impression of drifting. A trademark Vallien face rests inside these shimmering miniature Gatekeepers. This peaceful and mythical sculpture...

Bertil Vallien is devoted and consistent. His objects created for Kosta Boda develop over time, and he is always looking to extract more from his work. Gatekeeper is a case in point. Previous executions range from charcoal drawings to glass and metal objects. In the summer of 2021, large-format adaptations were exhibited in the famous garden of the Royal Palace “Solliden”, on Öland in Sweden, providing a magnificent spectacle for the audience. The two impressive Gatekeeper figures from the exhibition – almost 20 inches tall and fixed by thin wires – gave the impression of drifting. A trademark Vallien face rests inside these shimmering miniature Gatekeepers. This peaceful and mythical sculpture...

“Let your imagination soar. Somewhere inside, a sense of freedom awaits us all. Like a blue horse.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – t...

My Palace Globe is a collection of exquisite “globes” enclosed by a transparent house. These hand-made globes shift in color and style, similar to the ocean exposed to a change in li...

“I like it when you move. I like watching you dance. Promise you’ll never stop.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head, which has...

“We follow each other. Like following a light in the dark. We have only just begun.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head, which...

Beans is a creation by the renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien as an homage to the icon of Swedish glass design, Ingeborg Lundin. The collection is inspired by her well-known glass ...

“Thank you! I forget that sometimes. So thank you. Because you fill my day and my life with such joy in all things.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created th...

Beans is a creation by the renowned glass artist Bertil Vallien as an homage to the icon of Swedish glass design, Ingeborg Lundin. The collection is inspired by her well-known glass ...

“No, you don’t have to worry. Things are good. I know you think about me, and all is well.” In the eighties, Swedish glass artist Bertil Vallien created the first Brains – the head...

Bertil vallien for Kosta Boda glass head.

Art glass sculpture from the Head series by Kosta Boda artist Bertil Vallien, c1997. This sculpture features a head within a head. The exterior layer is blue frosted glass with a pol...

A very important early work by Bertil Vallien b. 1938. Unique and monumental wall sculpture, hand painted and contour sawn wood. Made in Sweden 1966. One of a kind! The sculpture is depicting fishes in the water. It was commissioned by an optician in 1966. That is why the eyes are made of oval glass mirrors. They are also hiding the holes where you screw the sculpture to the wall. The sculpture would be great in a fish restaurant or in an indoor pool area. It will certainly make a statement wherever it will hang! A photograph depicting the artist in front of the sculpture is included (see image)! Fully signed and dated 1966 (see image). The sculpture is in 3 parts. The upper part is in one piece. The lower part is in 2 pieces. There are no problems hanging this on the wall. It is heavy but not that heavy. Measurements: The upper part, Lenght 226cm, height 68cm, 7cm deep. The lower part, Lenght 245cm, height 75cm, 7cm deep. As mounted as in the pictures: length 304cm, height 120cm. Total length if one put these pieces after one another, circa 475cm. You can put this sculpture on the wall with different combinations and variations. In 2017 Flint Institute of Arts in Michigan bought the "One million Dollar Boat". They paid one million dollars for the mixed media sculpture "Passage" made by Bertil Vallien. BERTIL VALLIEN EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES 1963 - ongoing Freelance designer for Kosta Boda glassworks, Sweden 1963 - ongoing Independent artist/designer 1961-63 Studies in USA and Mexico 1961 University of Art and Design, Stockholm, Sweden PUBLIC COLLECTIONS (SELECTION) Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, USA HM de Young Museum, San Francisco, USA Yokohama Art Museum. San Francisco, USA Imagine Museum, FL, USA The State Hermitage museum, St. Petersburg, Russia Düsseldorf Museum of Fine Arts, Düsseldorf, Germany Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA The Art Institute, Chicago, USA National Museum, Stockholm, Sweden VIDA Museum, Sweden, permanent wing Everson Museum, NY, USA Museum of Fine Art, Boston, USA National Museum of Art, Tokyo, Japan Microsoft Art Collection, Seattle, Wa, USA JB Speed Art Museum, Louisville, USA The Prescott Collection at Pacific First Centre, Seattle, USA Detroit Art Institute, Detroit Il, USA Yokohama Art Museum, Yokohama, Japan The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, Germany Mint Museum of Art and Design, Charlotte, NC, USA Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, Ohio, USA Museo del Vidrio, Monterrey, Mexico Musée des Art and Design, The Louvre, Paris, France The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, Canada Rockford Museum of Art, Rockford, IL, USA Microsoft Art Collection, Seattle, USA National Museum, Edinburgh, UK Flint Institute of Art, Flint, MI, USA AWARDS (SELECTED) Prince Eugen´s medal for outstanding achievement in art, conferred by the King of Sweden (1998) Gold medal, Royal Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden (2005) GAS Visionary Award (2020) Honorary doctorate, Växjö University, Sweden (2002) Artist of the future Award, Imagine Museum, FL, USA (2020) Visionaries Award, Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA (2001) Medal for exhibition “Nine Rooms” at the 13th Biennale in Venice given by Instituto Veneto di Scienze ed Arti (2012) Young American award, Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA (1961) Award in recognition of the promotion of Glass Art in the world, Museo del Vidrio Monterey, Mexico (2004) The Libensky Award, Seattle, WA, USA (2008) The Wilson Award, GAS, New Orleans, USA (2005) Urban Glass Award for >>Outstanding Achievement in Glass<< NY, USA (1998) Zweiter Coburger Glaspreis, Coburg, Germany (1985) BIBLIOGRAPHY (SELECTION) 2020 Ytspänning, Galleri Glas, Stockholm, Sweden 2020 Drawings, Ceramics, Glass, Staffan Bengtsson, Kosta förlag, Sweden 2012 Bertil Vallien, Nine Rooms, Publisher Marsilio, Italy 2008 Staven, Gunnar Lindqvist, Kamras/ Kamras förlag 2007 Transperent Bounaries, Ulla-Britt Edberg, Carlsson Bokförlag, Stockholm 2006 Vallien, Gunnar Lindquist, Carlsson Bokförlag, Stockholm 2002 Somna Vakna, Matthew Kangas, University of Washington Press, London 2002 Fiat Lux, Johan Unger Gunnar Lindquist, Carlsson Bokförlag 1998 Glass eats light, Gunnar Lindquist, Carlsson Bokförlag 1997 Headbook, Niclas Rådström, Publisher, Kamras/Kamras 1995 Anod, Peter Nilsson, Nordstedts förlag, Sweden 1990 Bertil Vallien, Gunnar Lindqvist, Carlson Bokförlag 1983 Sandcast, Ulf Thomas Moberg, Moberg Publisher EXHIBITIONS (SELECTION) 2020 Ytspänning, Galleri Glas, Stockholm, Sweden 2020 Vida Museum, Öland, Sweden 2019 Habatat gallery, Detroit, USA 2019 Schantz Gallery, Stockbridge-MA, USA 2018 Leger Gallery, Malmö, Sweden 2017 Gallery Schantz, Stockbridge, MA, USA 2017 Art Miami, Schantz gallery, Miami FL, USA 2017 Spritmuseet, Stockholm, Sweden 2016 Hawk Gallery, Columbus. OH, USA. 2016 Galleri Thomassen, Göteborg, Sweden 2016 Millesgården, Stockholm, Glasstress, Sweden 2016 Edsvik Konsthall, Edsvik, Sweden 2016 SOFA, Navy pier Chicago IL- USA 2015 Galleri Berengo, Muranoi, Italien 2014 Palazzo Guinigi, Lucca, Italien 2013 Gallerie Azur, Spa, Belgien 2011 Marina Barovier Galleria, Venedig, Italien 2011 Hawk Galleries, Columbus, OH, USA 2009 Imago Gallery, Palm Springs. CA. USA 2008 Etienne gallery.Oisterwijk, The Netherlands 2007 Heller Gallery, NYC, USA 2007 Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, Il, USA 2006 Prince Eugen´s Waldermarsudde, Stockholm, Sweden 2005 Landkrona Konsthall, Landskrona, Sweden 2005 Röhsska Museet, Gothenburg, Sweden 2004 Museo del Vidrio, Monterrey, Mexico 2003 Rockford Art Museum, IL, USA 2003 Glass Museum, International Centre for Contemporary Art, Tacoma, USA 2002 Cellier de Clairvaux, Dijon, France 2002 >>In Transit<< Gävle Museum 2002 Eremitaget, St. Petersburg, Ryssland 2002 The state Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia 2002 Konstindustrimuseet, Oslo, Norway 2001 Riihiimäki Museum, Finland 2000 Traver gallery, Seattle, WA, USA 1999 Museum of Contemporary Art, Warsaw, Poland 1999 Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv, Israel 1998 Traver Gallery, Seattle, WA, USA 1998 The Bullseye Gallery Portland, OR, USA 1998 Museum of History, Stockholm, Sweden 1997 Museum of Arts, Indianapolis, USA 1997 Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA 1969 Palazzo Ducale, Venice, Italy PERFORMANCE 2012,18,19, 20 Rainshower, Kosta glassworks, Sweden 2007 Diamonds and Ashes, Music: Tomidas, Midnight session at Åfors glass...