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Glass Maverick ERIC BONTE Solo Exhibition
Eric Bonte is the foremost glass artist of stained glass and domed ceilings of the 21st century. He created the stained glass windows of Yamoussoukro Basilica in the Ivory Coast in a span of 18 months, setting a world record for the largest area of stained glass. How does one put that into perspective? Image covering8,400 square meters with over 100 million pieces of glass.
Bonte’s feats in domed ceilings and stained glass windows are complex marvels and have solidified his standing as an undeniable force in contemporary glass. Yet if we limit our understanding of the artist to domes and church windows, that would be a disservice. He once said: I help my clients realize their dreams. This process must bring him joy but what about his personal joys?
After 30 years of fulfilling commissions, Bonte has begun to delve into his personal vision. Surprisingly, these creations lack the bright colors associated with his former work. Rather,the glass is pure and transparent with punctuations of black and gold. And rather than the orderly geometric shapes of his past, his new work veers toward an abstract and postmodern style. Why? This is Eric Bonte returning to his roots as a creator, as an artist with a singular vision. It is the emergence of the artist’s true self and a reflection of his internal monologue.