Excavating Light: Alex Bernstein at Habatat in Royal Oak, Michigan

Glass, at its core, is about transformation, sand reborn as a material of infinite possibility. Few contemporary artists capture that alchemy with as much brilliance as Alex Bernstein, whose upcoming exhibition, Excavating Light at Habatat, offers viewers a rare chance to witness light itself sculpted into form.

Bernstein is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of glass, employing techniques that combine carving, casting, and layering into multidimensional works. His sculptures suggest geological forms such as fractured crystals, strata of earth, and luminous cores, yet they transcend nature by bending light into something ethereal. Each piece is not merely an object but a living conversation between light, shadow, and structure.

To better understand the artist’s vision, Habatat has released a special YouTube interview where Bernstein discusses his process, inspiration, and the evolution of his career. The interview provides a personal glimpse into the mind of a maker who has invented his own vocabulary in glass. For collectors and enthusiasts, it is an essential preview that enriches the experience of the exhibition.

The upcoming show, Excavating Light, reflects Bernstein’s newest explorations, showcasing both his celebrated colorful series and his striking optical works. Together they reveal a master who continues to invent, even as his career reaches new heights of acclaim. It is an exhibition designed to dazzle seasoned collectors and captivate new audiences.

Habatat Galleries holds a special place in this story. For over twenty years, the gallery has championed Bernstein’s work, introducing it to collectors worldwide. Habatat’s ability to recognize and nurture talent has been proven time and again, and their partnership with Bernstein has been one of enduring success. His sculptures are not only admired but consistently sought after, with major works placed in private and public collections through the gallery’s dedication.

As the oldest and largest gallery specializing in contemporary glass in the United States, Habatat has long served as a vital hub for artists and collectors. Its commitment to curating exhibitions that expand the possibilities of the medium makes it the perfect stage for Bernstein’s luminous vision. Excavating Light is not just another exhibition; it is part of a legacy of excellence that defines Habatat’s place in the international glass community.

Visitors to the gallery will find themselves immersed in an environment where light becomes tangible, where each turn of a sculpture reveals hidden depths and radiant surprises. The show invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and truly see, qualities that feel increasingly rare in our hurried world. It is in every sense a museum-quality experience.

Excavating Light opens Saturday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Habatat Galleries. Alex Bernstein will join virtually for a live discussion, ensuring that his presence and insights resonate with all who attend. Between the in-person exhibition, the online YouTube interview, and the gallery’s decades-long stewardship of his work, this event is an unmissable celebration of light, glass, and vision.

View the available work by artist Alex Bernstein:  CLICK HERE