Ulrica Hydman Vallien (1938-2018) was truly unique within Swedish glass art, creating a distinctive artistic universe characterized by vibrant colors, expressive faces, and dreamlike narratives.

The Open Mind exhibition at Kosta Boda Art Gallery (October 18, 2025 – March 29, 2026) celebrates her extraordinary four-decade career and enduring influence.

Working primarily at Kosta Boda from 1972, Hydman Vallien developed a bold, painterly approach to glass that broke from traditional Swedish restraint. Her works often featured mysterious figures, cats, hearts, and symbolic imagery rendered in intense colors and spontaneous gestures across blown glass vessels.

Her technique of painting directly onto hot glass with metal oxides created unique pieces where color and form merged organically. Each work became a one-of-a-kind artistic statement rather than industrial production, elevating studio glass to fine art status.

The tribute exhibition showcases signature pieces spanning her career, demonstrating how she transformed Scandinavian glass art through fearless experimentation and deeply personal expression. Her legacy continues inspiring contemporary glass artists worldwide.