Rait Lõhmus
DECRYSTALLIZATION
HOP Gallery
12-26.02.2026

Rait Lõhmus’ solo exhibition Decrystallization at Hop gallery is a continuation of the author’s material approach that he has developed during his MA studies. As part of his master’s thesis, Lõhmus researched the use of ready-made glass molds in glassblowing studios and proposed an alternative approach to studio glass – a treatment of materials that has remained unchanged for nearly 70 years. Decades of stagnation motivated Lõhmus as a designer to explore and describe the reasons for and consequences of the changing value of the consumer products made of glass.
Lõhmus has been focused on reblowing packaging glass, everyday consumer items, and glass objects that are part of the local industrial heritage. Through the author’s technique developed during his studies, the artist proposes a possible continuation to glass objects that have lost their value, thus opening up the life cycle of the objects to a wider audience. In light of constant technological development and endless consumption, countless glass objects have been created in today’s time and space, with the value diminishing over time. Each object embodies a layer of cultural, social, and economic meaning, which, when placed in a new context, reveals the hidden values of glass objects and opportunities to reinterpret their current role.
Decrystallization is a hierarchical continuation of research on the value of glass materials. In the course of research that grew out of Rait Lõhmus’s master’s thesis project “Reblow Toolset: Infinite,” the author has thoroughly studied the properties of glass by experimenting with different finished forms. The technological factors that influence the physical properties of different glass materials have been identified by now. While the processing of packaging glass is fast and hectic and the finished form is anonymous in nature, crystal objects embody a material in which the work and presence of previous authors and masters can be perceived in the form of cuts and engravings. Lõhmus has collaborated namely with these former authors in order to transfer these details into a new form. Crystal, semi-crystal, and crystal-like vases, once considered luxury items and kept in display cabinets for only the most important occasions, have now been left in endless anticipation. Through the changes in form, status, and function, the hidden layers and timelessness of the material are revealed to the viewer.

Rait Lõhmus (b. 1993) is a designer and artist/craftsman who primarily uses glass as his material. In his practice, the artist focuses on reblowing various ready-made glass forms. This approach to materials allows him to create a bridge and exchange ideas with earlier productions and creators. Lõhmus has acquired a bachelor’s degree in the department of glass art and a master’s degree in Craft Studies at the Estonian Academy of Arts. In addition to running the Kollektiir Studio, Lõhmus works as the head of the glass workshop and a lecturer at the Estonian Academy of Arts. In 2025, the artist received the Young Applied Artist Award of the Estonian Academy of Arts.
Exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Academy of Arts, ANORA

Exhibitions in HOP gallery are supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Ministry of Culture and Liviko Ltd.