Vladimír Procházka b. May 2, 1947, Neštěmice, Czech Republic

Vladimír Procházka is one of the leading figures in contemporary Czech glass, celebrated for his mastery of glass as both an architectural and sculptural medium. Working primarily in cast and kiln-formed glass, he creates monumental installations in collaboration with architects while producing refined studio sculptures distinguished by geometric clarity, luminous color, and precise formal elegance.

He studied at the Secondary School of Glass Arts in Železný Brod (1962–1966) before continuing at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (1966–1972), where he trained under the legendary glass artist Stanislav Libenský. This formative period shaped his lifelong exploration of light, space, and material, and later developed into a lasting professional friendship with Libenský.

Since the early 1970s Procházka has focused on large-scale architectural commissions that integrate glass into both modern and historic interiors. His works include expansive glass ceilings and lighting systems (Prague Congress Centre, Loreta Treasure Chamber, National House in Ústí nad Labem, cultural centers in Most and Bratislava), sculptural fountains, decorative walls, and stained-glass interventions in sacred architecture such as the Romanesque rotundas on Říp Mountain and in Starý Plzenec. Among his most significant achievements is his contribution to the glass elements within the Czech Parliament complex, recognized as a Czech National Cultural Monument. His architectural glass has also been realized internationally in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and aboard luxury yachts.

Parallel to these public projects, Procházka produces mold-melted glass sculptures that balance architectural rigor with organic movement. These works - often richly colored, highly polished, and formally complex - have earned international acclaim, including the Silver Prize (2001) and Gold Prize (2004) at the International Exhibition of Glass in Kanazawa, Japan, as well as recognition at the Coburg Prize for Contemporary Glass. His sculptures are held in private collections worldwide and have found particular resonance with American collectors and is represented by Contessa Gallery.

Procházka continues to live and work in Malečov near Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic, creating both intimate studio pieces and ambitious architectural installations that affirm glass as a medium of light, structure, and enduring presence.