Dylan Katz: Glass as a Dialogue with Nature – The 61.5°N Exhibition in Venice

Dylan Katz’s exhibition 61.5°N, presented in Venice on occasion of 2024 edition of The Venice Glass Week,  transcends the boundaries of traditional glass art, offering a profound reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature. Inspired by Finland's frozen landscapes, Katz’s sculptures explore the fragility and beauty of nature, framing climate change not as a catastrophic battle, but as an evolving relationship—one that urges harmony, respect, and a renewed commitment to preserving Earth's natural wonders.

Katz was awarded the prestigious Special Jury Award at the 2024 Fondazione Venezia Prize during The Venice Glass Week. This honor recognizes both his artistic innovation and his deep environmental consciousness, which are central to his creative philosophy. Katz’s sculptures are born from years of study, drawing inspiration from the ephemeral yet breathtaking ice formations of Finland’s lakes. Using glass, a material he has mastered through years of refinement, Katz evokes the organic forms, patterns, and textures found in the natural world, challenging the viewer to reflect on both the transient and the enduring.

The exhibition features two central series: Uncanny Ice and Northern Windows. Uncanny Ice, Katz’s signature series, returns to Venice for the third time, while Northern Windows was specifically crafted for this exhibition. These collections contrast the temporary nature of ice with the permanence of glass—formed in the fiery furnace and capable of enduring for centuries. Katz plays with this juxtaposition of fleeting natural beauty and long-lasting artistry, inviting viewers to meditate on impermanence and humanity's lasting impact on the environment.

Katz characterizes 61.5°N as a "love letter in glass" dedicated to the Earth. The exhibition, curated by Costanza Longanesi Cattani, is a poetic journey that encourages viewers to reconnect with nature through the ethereal quality of his sculptures. The pieces are complemented by photographs of Katz’s work with natural ice formations in Finnish lakes, as well as a short film by Elias Markkula with sound by Veli-Matti “Vellu” Rintala. These additional elements enrich the viewer’s experience by revealing more of the inspiration and environmental message behind the works.

Katz Studio, founded in 2016 by Dylan and his wife Greta, is an independent glassblowing studio. Their collaborative work has gained recognition across Europe, showcased at leading art and design events, such as the 2022 Homo Faber Doppia Firma exhibition in Milan and the Glass Art Society conference in Tacoma, Washington. The Uncanny Ice series, which continues to evolve, has been featured at The Venice Glass Week HUB at Palazzo Loredan, the 2024 Biot International Glass Festival, and various other global exhibitions.

Through 61.5°N, Katz's message is poignant: this is not a militant stance against climate change, but a gentle, heartfelt reminder of the importance of our planet. His works are a call to reconnect with the natural world, to restore balance, and to preserve its fragile beauty before it fades away.