DESIGN FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC, 1990 - 2005: DREAM AND REALITY
21.03.2006 News
Under the exhibition title Dream and Reality,
the Czech Design Centre will be displaying examples of its design over
the last fifteen years. The theme of the exhibition is not just about
the development process from idea to finished object.
Rather
the exhibition concentrates on the political and economic situation in
the Czech Republic of the post-Communist era. After the Velvet
Revolution, the Czech Republic underwent radical reforms giving cause
for hope for the future. The Czechs dreamt of economic possibilities
unimaginable in the past. Unfortunately, many of these dreams went up
in smoke. While attempting to gain a greater affinity with the new
consumer markets in the West, the Czech Republic lost its market
outlets in the East. Old companies could not manage the switch to new
production procedures, equipment and technologies and were forced to
close down. Not all the new companies survived the innovation process
either. There was though one pervasive theme in all this design, which
became omnipresent in the Czech economy.
Fifteen years on, a
new reality has arisen, albeit one that is rather different from what
was envisaged. This reality, with its advantages and disadvantages,
once again offers a basis for hopes of a brighter future.
Design
from the Czech Republic 1995 2005 is a showcase for top Czech design
from the last 15 years, taking in the most varied disciplines and
applications.
The exhibition includes both mass-produced
industrial products and design objects produced in small numbers. Also
on display are concepts, images and prototypes of objects that have not
yet been produced.
Traditional crafts such as glass and
porcelain have of course been included in the Czech collection. On show
from these traditional disciplines are some very contemporary and
surprising glass, vases and sets of dishes from various designers.
Many
examples of furniture, innovative in terms of both design and choice of
material, are also on view. One of the most eye-catching is the
reclining chair Steffi designed by Daniela Polubedovova and
Stanislav Fiala. This is a transparent chair made of perspex with a
seat covered in tennis balls. It is not surprising therefore that both
Andr Agassi and Steffi Graf own one of these chairs. The Eleganza Manoby
Jiri Spanihel and Zbynek Frolik, a bedside table for hospitals, is an
example of a design that is both functional and clever. It is designed
so that a patient lying in bed can adjust the tabletop into the desired
position without assistance and using one hand. The furniture
collection also includes tables and chairs made from revolutionary
materials.
Mobility is another topic that is addressed. The Goaty Goast
moped by Dusan Poliacek with its light frame and elegant suspension
structure, though not yet in production, will no doubt be a popular
item with the general public. The Origami mini bike, designed by Stanislav Hanus and Pavel Blata, is exported all over the world. Other vehicles are also displayed.
From
the textiles sector, there is work exhibited from Jitka Skopova. She
has designed household linen, interior textiles and materials for
well-known brands such as Trussardi, Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and
Pierre Cardin.
The exhibition also includes original
accessories such as bracelets made from Perspex and hard aluminium by
Barbara Skorpilova.
For further information please contact:
Public Relations:
Erik Rossignol
E: erik.rossignol@designvlaanderen.be
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