Míla Fürstová: Poetry of Light

In Míla Fürstová's etchings reality and dream are paired to create poetic imagery. In her studio she works rather like an alchemist, experimenting with ancient techniques of etching whilst always exploring the new.

In the works presented in this first solo show, Míla breaks down the lengthy process of etching as she cuts out and layers her imagery giving rise to new meanings. The result is a decidedly contemporary voice full of intrigue, mystery and light, executed with a level of detail that seduces the viewer to take a closer look.

This exhibition will include a series of London cityscapes. Working from memory, Míla creates her own London skyline that combines many of the famous landmarks such as the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and the Gherkin. Either etched on perspex or on paper, she then layers this skyline with cut out or folded papers or embossed prints creating an intriguing and dreamlike view of the city.

The shadows from the etching on perspex and cut outs add to the sense of the ethereal and ever-changing city.

Far from the urban landscape Míla invents a forested fantasy land. The dense plant life, the occasional glimpse of animal life, create an eerie atmosphere. Rays of light filter through the trees and leaves, casting shadows in the intricate structures.

Míla was born in 1975 in the Czech Republic. She came to Britain in 1996 to study a BA (HONS) course in Fine Art Printmaking at the University of Gloucestershire. Following graduation she was the only student from the course that year to have been offered a place to study at the Royal College of Art in London. In 2000, Míla completed her 7 year MA course in Fine Art and English at the famous Charles University in Prague for which she had studied simultaneously with her courses in Britain. As she graduated from the Royal College of Art she was awarded six major awards for her artwork and firmly established herself as an artist in London.

In 2001, Míla was selected to become a Research Fellow at the University of Gloucestershire. She taught there between 2001 and 2002. During this time she was elected for, and became a member of the Royal Society of Painters and Printmakers in London; the society's youngest member. Míla was the first Artist in Residence at the Cheltenham Ladies' College where she built and ran an Etching studio for the pupils. At the same time she worked as a visiting lecturer for Coventry University.

Míla now lives and works in Gloucestershire.