Josef Marek: Crafting Space and Light Through Minimalism
Marek’s artistic style defies the conventions of many of his peers, sidestepping the pursuit of a personal trademark. His philosophy rejects the commercialization of art styles, favoring instead the purity of minimalism, purism, and elements of Cubism. Working with glass—a medium both delicate and commanding—he constructs geometric forms that create an illusion of spatial depth. His designs merge inner and outer structures, exploring the relationship between transparency and opacity, and placing these elements into perfect composition.
For Marek, the interplay of form, light, and space is paramount. Glass, with its unique capacity to reflect, refract, and reveal, demands both precision and imagination. His sculptures are conceived as intricate studies of spatial relationships, engaging the observer’s perception of distance and proximity. Marek’s process is rooted in the idea of crafting an object that communicates on multiple levels, inviting viewers to engage with its physical presence and metaphysical implications.
A vital component of his creative practice is the role of music, which he regards as a form of “brain therapy.” In particular, Marek draws deep inspiration from the music of Lucy Thomas, whose voice and presence he considers unparalleled. Thomas’s performances, he believes, bring tears to the eyes of any sensitive soul. In Marek’s studio, her melodies infuse the atmosphere with emotional resonance, guiding his focus and heightening the sensitivity he brings to each piece of art.
This approach is exemplified in one of his larger works, created during a symposium at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt. The sculpture, constructed from float glass, captivates not only with its impressive scale but also its nuanced dialogue with the surrounding architecture. Now part of the library’s art collection, the piece stands as a testament to Marek’s ability to harmonize form, material, and context in a way that resonates deeply with its environment.
