STACEY POULTNEY, an artist and glass practitioner at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, has been selected to exhibit his glasswork at the 5th International Biennale of Glass, which will be held at the National Gallery Kvadrat 500 in Sofia, Bulgaria, from September 18 to November 30, 2025. This prestigious event showcases some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing contemporary glass artists from around the world, and Stacey’s inclusion is a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
Based in Port Talbot, Stacey has spent 15 years in higher education as both a glass practitioner and educator, refining his expertise in stained, architectural, and contemporary glass. He has contributed to projects in world heritage sites, national museums, and religious and contemporary buildings, continuously expanding the scope of his practice.
Although his foundation in glass art began with stained glass, he has long been fascinated by three-dimensional glasswork, a passion that now defines his personal practice. His current work explores the intersection of glass with industrial materials, as he pushes the boundaries of scale and complexity. Stacey’s evolving approach integrates automation and movement, transforming static works into dynamic installations suitable for both galleries and exterior environments.
For the International Biennale of Glass, Stacey’s selected work, “Urban Echoes,” reflects his deep connection to graffiti culture, urban decay, brutalist architecture, and industrial aesthetics. He describes two primary approaches to his work:
- Gallery Installations – Large-scale pieces designed for formal exhibition spaces.
- Urban Installations – Smaller works that can be swiftly placed and removed in public spaces, mirroring the ephemeral nature of graffiti.
Caroline Thraves, Academic Director Art and Media said: “Being selected for the International Biennale of Glass places Stacey among the most exciting and innovative contemporary glass artists worldwide.
“This achievement highlights not only his technical expertise but also his ability to bridge traditional glasswork with modern urban influences.
“His inclusion in this prestigious exhibition is a proud moment for Swansea College of Art and the wider Welsh creative community.”
