The art of glass blowing is a beautiful, intricate thing, blending the delicate form of glass with fire, melting it and shaping it to create unique pieces. Artist Stelios Hansen Nicolaou is one of the few glass blowers on the island and this week will present his first exhibition.

On September 8 and 9 at the Cultural Centre Elias Aletras in old Aglantzia, the exhibition will include ornamental glass pieces, functional objects as well as sculptures formed by using both traditional and contemporary techniques of blown and solid glass.

Stelios is a recent graduate of Plymouth College of Art in 3D Design Crafts. To polish his glass blowing techniques, he will soon move to Oslo, Norway to one of the greatest glass industries in the country. This exhibition is just Stelios’ first showcase, and also the first exhibition to be held at this venue.

Glass blowing though is not new to the island. In fact, it’s an old craft and Stelios is often inspired by works that were produced in Cyprus during the archaic period. The creation of glass works flourished in Cyprus during the Roman years until the Byzantine period, when the tradition of glass began to fade. Remarkable Cypriot glass collections are in museums in England and the USA, and now Stelios brings his touch into today’s society.

Glass Blowing Art

Solo art exhibition by Stelios Hansen Nicolaou. September 8-9. Cultural Centre Elias Aletras in old Aglantzia, Nicosia. 4pm-10pm