In the world of contemporary fine art, few creators manage to bridge the gap between raw material and ethereal emotion as seamlessly as Isabelle Scheltjens. This year, the scenic shores of Porto Montenegro welcome a significant cultural addition as Murano Art Gallery proudly announces the inclusion of Scheltjens’ work in its permanent collection. The gallery will feature two cornerstone pieces that define her current artistic trajectory: the expansive glass fusing masterwork "The Dreamcatcher" and the serene marble.
"Break Stuff"
A Symphony of Light and Glass
To stand before a work by Isabelle Scheltjens is to engage in a dialogue with the subjectivity of human vision. Her practice is rooted in the understanding that our perception of color and light is never truly objective. Instead, she harnesses this sensory variability to create portraits that shift and transform depending on the viewer’s perspective. Her two-dimensional works, such as "The Dreamcatcher" (200 cm x 150 cm), are marvels of technical precision. Utilizing crushed glass as her primary medium, Scheltjens meticulously layers and fuses fragments to capture and refract light. The process is deeply intuitive; it begins with a lingering memory of a face - the specific intensity of a gaze, the strength of a jawline, or a unique play of shadow. She relentlessly experiments with glass compositions until the physical colors align perfectly with the "afterimage" held in her mind. The result is a vibrant, textured surface that reveals powerful, extraordinary subjects who seem to breathe through the glass.
The Evolution of Form: From Translucence to Stone
While glass remains her signature medium, Scheltjens’ creative curiosity has naturally led her toward the three-dimensional. This evolution was sparked during a transformative visit to a marble workshop, where the Mediterranean sun illuminated the possibilities of stone.
The transition from the fragility of glass to the permanence of marble and bronze represents a maturing of her aesthetic language. In "Fola," a striking 40 cm sculpture carved from classic white marble, the artist achieves a different kind of luminosity. Where glass refracts light, the marble absorbs and softens it, lending the subject a timeless, monumental presence. This piece exemplifies her ability to translate the delicate nuances of human expression into the heavy, enduring medium of stone, creating a "totem" of modern identity.
By bringing "The Dreamcatcher" and "Fola" to Porto Montenegro, Murano Art Gallery offers collectors and art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness this intersection of Belgian craftsmanship and universal emotion.
We invite you to experience the mesmerizing optical illusions and tactile beauty of Isabelle Scheltjens’ world - a world where light is not just observed, but captured.
"The Dreamcatcher", 2025
From the Lagoons of Murano to the Shores of Tivat
This season, Murano Art Gallery at Porto Montenegro invites discerning collectors, architects, and design visionaries to experience the pinnacle of authentic artisanal lighting. More than a presentation of exquisite objects, our gallery represents a gateway into a centuries-old tradition - where fire, breath, and artistry converge to create luminous works of enduring beauty.
At the heart of our current exhibition stands a striking centerpiece: a cascading composition of clear and amber hand-blown glass, radiating both elegance and presence within our Tivat space. Yet this installation goes beyond a singular creation, illustrating the possibilities of a design process shaped entirely around your vision.
By bringing these masterworks from Murano to the Montenegrin coast, we are not merely importing décor; we are transplanting a living heritage. Each element is shaped by master artisans, ensuring that every piece carries the unmistakable soul of Venetian craftsmanship and remains truly unique.
A Masterpiece of Light and Form
The featured chandelier, measuring 110 cm in diameter and 200 cm in height, exemplifies the fluid, organic aesthetic that has made Murano glass synonymous with timeless luxury. Its flowing forms capture and refract light, creating a warm, atmospheric glow that elevates any space.
Private Villa | Marbella, Spain
Create Your Own Signature Piece
At Murano Art Gallery, we specialize in bespoke lighting, guiding you from initial concept to final installation. Whether working from detailed plans or a simple idea, our team develops each project in close collaboration with you, refining every element - from form and scale to color and finish.
We oversee the entire process, coordinating directly with master glassmakers in Murano and managing production, delivery, and installation with precision and care, ensuring a seamless and highly personalized experience.
Whether for a superyacht, private residence, or luxury hospitality space, each piece is designed to be as distinctive as the environment it inhabits.
We invite you to visit our gallery in Tivat and begin creating your own Venetian masterpiece.
On view the whole summer season 2026
MURANO ART GALLERY
Porto Montenegro
Regent Pool Club Residences
Obala bb, 85320 Tivat | Montenegro
info@muranoartgallery.me
+382 69 241254
