The exhibition was first presented to the public in October 2023 as part of the 25th Designblok festival at the Royal Garden of Prague Castle where over the span of two weeks it drew tens of thousands of visitors. In April 2024, Designblok Cosmos parked itself at the prestigious location of Superstudio Piú as part of the Superdesign Show in Milan where over the span of seven days it wowed some 80 000 design lovers from all over the world. Then in June 2024, the exhibition opened its doors to the people of north Bohemia in the Regional Gallery in Liberec. These glass masterpieces thus came back to the place where the master glassworkers originally gave them life. The fourth stop on its journey is the Brussels Design September festival where Designblok Cosmos will provide ample opportunity to establish international collaboration and share inspiration.

“We consider the Designblok Cosmos exhibition as an imaginary gateway through which you can experience a close encounter with the best of contemporary Czech glass design and feel the magic of Designblok festival anywhere in the world, if only for a moment. And thanks to the support of PPF Foundation, we’ve managed to build this portal at numerous places around the world. In the Royal Garden of Prague Castle, the world design capital of Milan, as well as in the gardens of the Regional Gallery in Liberec. And everywhere we saw the wonder and enchantment in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of visitors. I am immensely glad that the exhibition is now heading to Brussels, the political center of Europe which is, in a way, similar to Designblok: both are trying to open the world to new ideas and actively make them a reality. We are happy that the Designblok Cosmos exhibition will temporarily become part of the local design and art scene and we hope this will open new paths to collaboration, inspiration and to the simple joy which contemporary design and craft can bring. And I, of course, look forward to welcoming many of the visitors from Brussels to the 26th Designblok – the Prague International Design Festival,” says Jiří Macek, Designblok festival creative director and co-curator of the Designblok Cosmos exhibition.

For twenty-five years, Designblok has been developing the Czech design scene, collaborating with renowned designers, supporting young artists, connecting creators and industry, spreading awareness among the general public and representing Czech design abroad. This entire journey is contained in one unique exterior exhibition – a cosmic capsule, a movable gallery which presents ten original glass works made by ten top-notch Czech designers. The curatorial selection made by Designblok director Jana Zielinski and creative director Jiří Macek features designers who have been intimately connected with the festival – Jakub Berdych Karpelis, DECHEM studio, Lucie Koldová, Václav Mlynář, Lukáš Novák, Jiří Pelcl, Rony Plesl, Tadeáš Podracký, Maxim Velčovský and Jan Plecháč who is also the mastermind behind the exhibition’s innovative architectural presentation.

“The Designblok Cosmos travelling exhibition will travel the world and carry the banner of Czech glass abroad. It was this nomadic character which inspired me the most when designing the exhibition architecture. My aim was to design a unique show, a traveling circus which would introduce the visitors to design in a slightly different light than they might be used to, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime audiovisual experience. It was also necessary to fulfill all requirements for the technical specifications. It is, after all, a mobile object which must allow for simple installation and de-installation while functioning in tandem with a truck as a classic freight trailer during transport,” explains Jan Plecháč, the exhibition’s architect. A freight trailer was custom fitted for the exhibition and, once parked in the intended location, it provides an exhibition space of 65m2. The interior is covered with 170 mirrors and the capsule’s outside is draped in a silver reflexive casing. The audiovisual effects were co-created by Lunchmeat Studio and the original sound design accompanying the exhibition was composed by Aid Kid.

The common theme of the exhibited works can be found in the material used: glass. This is a traditional material for Czech craft and the works presented at this spectacular installation symbolize our endless cosmic journey. The exhibition also celebrates the past 25 years of Designblok and the long road which Czech design and society have walked hand in hand over the past quarter century. The original objects deftly work with luminescence and express the artists’ free-hand approach to design, the material and their craft while showing their very diverse production technologies and the traditions they draw on. They also present the diverse know-how of Czech companies and manufacturers, showing their taste for experimentation and their use of the most cutting-edge approaches available.

The interest of Czech diplomats in Brussels also shows the significance of this Czech project on the international scene. Ambassador Edita Hrdá from the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU says the following about the exhibition: “Czech glass has always held an iconic position in the world and we are glad to be able to present the best contemporary designers such as Rony Plesl or Jan Plecháč. Cultural diplomacy is a soft power which plays a central role in diplomatic relations.” The exhibition’s presence at the festival is also supported by the Czech Center in Brussels. “The Brussels Design September festival is a huge, bustling event which supports the interconnection between the design scene in Belgium and the wider world, and it is wonderful that Designblok Cosmos has become a part of that,” adds Kristýna Halounová, director of the Czech Center in Brussels.

The exhibition’s launch commemorates the 25th anniversary of Designblok festival. The original concept for this exceptional exhibition developed from the discussions between the Designblok team and the PPF Foundation about the ways of presenting Czech design to the world. “Designblok Cosmos fits perfectly with the principles and values we honor at the PPF Foundation. It builds on centuries of tradition of the Czech glassmaking craft, the recognition it has achieved in the world, and presents some of the most eminent figures of contemporary Czech design. It also presents the works in a very unconventional form which is an artistic gesture in itself. I am very happy that, following its premiere at last year’s Designblok and its immensely successful arrival at the iconic Milan Design Week, Designblok Cosmos will now touch down in Brussels at the Brussels Design September, one of the world’s most prestigious showcases of contemporary design, where it is furthermore featured as one of the three main event highlights. I am very happy that with its participation in Brussels, Designblok Cosmos is helping to fulfill the mission of the PPF Foundation, which is to support Czech talent on its journey abroad,” says Jana Tomas Sedláčková, director of the PPF group’s non-profit activities. The exhibition’s partner is AGC Glass Europe which has equipped the interior with a series of Mirox 4Green+ lead-free mirrors made in a water-based, ecological manner.

The Designblok Cosmos exhibition is accompanied by a voluminous catalog featuring interviews with authors and original photographs by leading Czech photographer Václav Jirásek. The Brussels event will also feature a brochure with detailed information about the works, guided tours and will see the designers and curators meet the public.

[More information](https://www.designblok.cz/en/news/designblok-cosmos-at-the-brussels-design-september-festival)

DSC03568.jpg

Designblok Cosmos at the Brussels Design September festival

Designblok Cosmos

Curator Marie Kordovská presented the exhibition Big Thing, which is held at the Prague House and presents a selection of projects by UMPRUM students across all studios of the school:

The present times are accompanied with a feeling of overwhelm caused by extreme developments in politics, climatic change, and social areas. Every day brings new fateful events, and we are often losing our ability to respond. The Big Thing exhibition aims to show that it only takes small steps to break out from the paralysis. We believe that if you make a specifically targeted change, it can create a domino effect which will then lead to a more long-lasting solution than any general remedies. The exhibition presents a selection of works from Prague's prestigious Academy of Art, Architecture and Design which were created by its students in the previous two years. Projects vary from fine art to applied art to design and architecture, however they all show an active interest in the world. They seek to find tangible and feasible solutions to specific tiny parts thereof which can - in the long run - improve our lives in one way or another.

The Designblok Cosmos travelling exhibition which is open to the public in the Place de la Musique in the Tour & Taxis was presented by the Designblok director Jana Zielinski:

For twenty-five years, Designblok has been developing the Czech design scene, collaborating with renowned designers, supporting young artists, connecting creators and industry, spreading awareness among the general public and representing Czech design abroad. This entire journey is contained in one unique exterior exhibition – a cosmic capsule, a movable gallery which presents ten original glass works made by ten top-notch Czech designers. 

As of every year and with an ever-growing curiosity, the Brussels Design September promotes the interaction between roughly a hundred
Belgian and international artists and creators with amateurs and connoisseurs in the field of design. This year’s theme is all about sustainability, which will be represented in the exhibitions, open workshops, installations, conferences, and lectures.





Logo-Brussels-Design-September.png

Brussels Design September 2024

Brussels Design September

The exhibition at the Prague House presents a selection of projects by UMPRUM students across all studios of the school. Each of them offers its own way to solve a given problem, to change the perspective, to get inspiration from others, or to start with oneself. The issues of each work are documented and presented in detail in the exhibition catalogue.

The exhibition was introduced to the visitors by one of its curators, Marie Kordovská: "It was important for us, the curators of The Big Thing, that our visitors not feel similarly overwhelmed. We think that it is possible to get rid of paralysis. Therefore, we selected student works that reflect this notion. They are projects that approach the world as a place that is still worth exploring, listening to and caring for. The works on display do not demonstrate the individual genius of the creator, nor do they present utopian visions of a universal collective practice. They propose tangible and real solutions that can help us live a little better."

The eleventh UMPRUM show at the Brussels Design September festival will be open until September 30th.
Rezervations: praguehouse@praha.eu

DSC01047.jpg

Opening of the Exhibition "Big Thing"

Big Thing

"I am very happy for the opportunity to talk to so many people with whom I share the interest in securing the best possible position for the Czech Republic in Europe. I believe that active membership in the EU and constructive promotion of our interests is the approach that will best help us in this", he said at the beginning of the evening Jozef Síkela.

The event was organised by the Representation of the City of Prague to the EU, the Representation of the South Moravian Region to the EU, the European Office of the Pilsen Region in Brussels and the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU.

Important guests were welcomed in the Prague House by Jan Chabr, chairman of the Energy Committee of the City of Prague.


DSC01464 - kopie.jpg

Meeting with the candidate for European Commissioner Jozef Síkela

Jozef Síkela

The MEPs met with prominent representatives of the Czech community in Brussels and were introduced to the work of regional representations in Prague, the South Moravian Region and the Pilsen Region who jointly organized this event. 

The distinguished guests were welcomed at the Prague House by Jan Chabr, Chairman of the Energy Committee of the Prague City Assembly:
„I am glad that almost all newly elected MEPs from across the parties attended the meeting. Most of the legislation that is subsequently implemented into the Czech legal system is produced within the European institutions. Many these regulations then have a direct impact on the functioning and life of Czech regions and municipalities. My appeal to MEPs in this regard was unequivocal: they should also discuss amendments to the individual proposals that will be discussed at a meeting with representatives of the regions and municipalities from which they come. Many measures are sometimes met with a lack of understanding and an inability to explain them sufficiently and to put them into practice. For the City of Prague, I believe that during this term of the European Parliament and the Commission, we will be able to obtain several funds for the development of Prague's transport infrastructure, as well as for the challenges in the energy sector and the modernisation of the heating industry.“

DSC07435_crop2.jpg

DSC07435_crop.jpg

Newly elected Czech MEPs met at Prague House for the first time

new MEPs in Prague House

Photographer Ivan Pinkava (1961) has created his own unique visual language during his forty years of artistic practice, which can be identified with a unique way of thinking about the world. Figures and still lifes intertwine in the author's work, they are an updated reflection of deeper thought processes linked to the symbolic language of traditional Western culture. The photographer purposefully enters well-known iconographic situations in order to - in some cases slightly, in other cases radically - change them, mix them up, rename them, empty them, shoot them or make them stand out in a different light. Pinkava blurs the conventional meanings hidden behind the names of ancient and biblical figures, as well as terms denoting common life rituals and actions (e.g. Bridegroom). Behind the backdrops of history and personal history, he finds something common, valid for the present and the future - foreshadowing of human uncertainty stemming from one's own bodily transience and from the awareness that there is something that transcends man in every way, be it God or a less abstract "moral principle ". The main center of events here is the cyclically recurring relationship between man and his destiny, expressed through the expressive means of black-and-white and color photography.

The ABLAZE IN THE SUN exhibition brings the viewer closer to a cross-section of Ivan Pinkava's multi-layered photographic work. As a rule, naked figures with their gestures and attributes are transformed into bearers of a meta-message (The Pilgrim) through visual staging and symbolic action. This refers to the recurring uncertain situation of man in the order of life defined by time and space. The hiddenness and nakedness of the body, as well as the traces of its masking, wear, injuries, impurities, etc., that it bears, refer to the transience of what we call presence or being in the world. Here, time is materialized into subject constellations that undergo permanent transformation. The relentless movement of consciousness is stopped here and viewed as a kind of contemplation. The dynamic event is transformed into a static object radiating, in the manner of a ritual idol, the uniqueness of the moment, to which it is good to return.

The title of the exhibition ABLAZE IN THE SUN reveals the contradiction in the givens of our existence. Light and heat are life-giving principles. However, most of Ivan Pinkava's photographs are situated in the constricting space of gloom and darkness. To inhospitable places that lose their hospitality to human consciousness, which is constantly trying to justify its own meaning. The human body, consciousness and time are consumed to leave traces and reveal their secrets. Beyond the horizon of life awaits - perhaps - insight. To live is to burn. Strongly at first, then more sparingly and sparingly, until the final extinction.

Petr Vaňous, curator of the exhibition

Ivan Pinkava (born 1961). In 1977-1981, he graduated from the Secondary School of Graphics in Prague, majoring in polygraphy, and in 1982-1986 he graduated from FAMU in Prague, majoring in photography. In 1994, he published his first book monograph, Dynasty. Other important books include Memento mori from 1998 (joint project with Václav Jirásek and Robert V. Novák). In 2002, he was included in the German encyclopedia of world photographers Das Lexikon der Fotografen 1900 bis heute. In 2004, the Prague Rudolfinum Gallery organized the author's extensive solo exhibition, which was accompanied by the publication of the Heroes monograph. In 2005-07 he led the photography studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. In 2012, the Museum at the Katzen Arts Center at the University of Washington organized the author's solo exhibition entitled Remains, which was accompanied by the publication of a balance monograph of the same name. He regularly exhibits here and abroad. Among the author's latest projects are the exhibition Backtracking (The House of Art, České Budějovice), Double Bind (Telegraf Gallery, Olomouc), Rozvrat shadow (with O. Filípek; Kvalitář Gallery, Prague), Full Moon in the Eyes (Trafo Gallery, Prague ) or participation in the collective project All the Power of Imagination (Kunsthalle im Lipsiusbau, Dresden). In addition to the National Gallery in Prague, his works are included in a number of Czech and foreign public and private collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston, the Maison Européene de la Photographie in Paris, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne, etc.

www.ivanpinkava.com


DSC04559.jpg

Festive opening of the exhibition of Ivan Pinkava: ABLAZE IN THE SUN

Ivan Pinkava

For the period after 2027, it is necessary to free the EWC from cohesion requirements for thematic concentration and strengthen its position as an independent initiative. Support for cross-border and interregional cooperation is vital for strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU!

DSC04447.jpg

Joint meeting of the members of the Czech and Slovak delegations in the European Committee of the Regions

CND and SND

Franz Kafka's works are among the most common pretexts of comic book adaptations, and those "Kafka / Comics" employ a rich catalogue of adaptation approaches and interpretative practices, from uninventive rewritings through paraphrase or parody to very loose adaptations that go far beyond the mere media transposition of the pretext; and last but not least, a specific subcategory is represented by comics "about Kafka". In several analytical case studies, the lecture will attempt to look at the various variants of Kafkas in comics and Kafkaesque in comics, with special attention paid to some of the more significant Kafka / Comics by Robert Crumb, Jaromír 99, Olivier Deprez, Peter Kuper and the Nishioka siblings.
 

DSC03734.jpg

Kafka in Comics

Making public spaces accessible is not solely a concern for specific groups of people; rather, anyone can unexpectedly find themselves in circumstances that hinder their freedom of movement. The solution lies in an approach known as tactical urbanism, a concept that is increasingly discussed in the world of urban planning and was the focus of this June's Science Café.

In today's world, where cities are constantly growing and developing, it is crucial to prioritise the creation of environments that are inclusive and sustainable for all their inhabitants. Tactical Urbanism offers an innovative approach to rapidly and efficiently transform public spaces, creating cities that are accessible to all residents, regardless of age, gender, ability, or social status. How can tactical urbanism contribute to inclusive and sustainable urban development and help overcome the constraints faced by city dwellers? 

Kristina Ullmannová is the Head of the Public space office at Prague Institute of Planning and Development. As an architect and urban planner, she holds a PhD. from Czech Technical University in Prague. After a career in the private sector and an international experience from Catalonia and US, she currently leads the Public space office in its efforts of creating liveable and walkable public space, adapting the city for climate change and focusing on a sustainable solution in a city environment with a wide range of interests.

Marie Joja is an academic at the Faculty of Architecture at Brno University of Technology, with a research focus on the temporary use and activation of abandoned spaces. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is the founder of studio Archipop, an architectural practice dedicated to placemaking and transient interventions.

Lieve De Cock, an architect and urban planner, founded LiPS [bridging Life.People.Space] in 2017. Her consultancy offers science-based, innovative solutions for complex spatial-social challenges at various scales, guided by a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. Passionate about building bridges between life, people, and space, Lieve formulates future-oriented proposals addressing diverse social issues. Her approach emphasizes creativity, feasibility, participation, co-creation, and communication, leading to shared visions and projects. Throughout her career, including her tenure at Eurostation where she rose to CEO, Lieve has excelled in managing complex projects and integrating social and political factors to benefit urban development. Under her guidance, LiPS consistently prioritizes sustainability and community in its projects.

The event was organised by the Delegation of Prague to the EU, Representation of the South Moravian Region to the EU, Czech Centre Brussels and Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research.

DSC09886.jpg

Science Café: Tactical Urbanism

Tactical Urbanism

Launched in 2013, the JEM (Journées Européennes de la Marionnette) festival at the Théâtre Royal du Peruchet (Brussels) has grown with the success it has met each time with spectators and audiences who are curious about the puppetry arts, which appeal to as many people as possible and are of the highest creative quality. 

Over the years, the festival has established itself as Belgium’s most international puppet festival. Recognised with the European EFFE label for the 6th edition of the festival in 2022, this new edition is inviting international artists and audiences from different European and international communities to discover puppets from different cultures, as open forms that play on the diversity of the puppet arts.

The 7th edition offers a diversity of genres and shows that demonstrate the richness of this multiple art form. Paper puppets, hand puppets, shadow puppets, rods, wires, mounted puppets and objects will take us on improbable journeys, each one more improbable than the last, journeys into puppet worlds. Shows, meetings, exhibition, happenings and workshops are on the menu for this 7th edition of the festival, which highlights the need for exchange between artists and cultures in Brussels, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

This 7th edition features 19 different shows for 41 performances over 4 weekends (17-20 May, 25-26 May, 1-2 June and 8-9 June 2024), including 11 Belgian Premieres by international companies (from Germany, France, Ireland, Slovakia, USA, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, DRC Congo), a Focus on South Korea (3 companies), an exhibition and happening by the great puppet creator Matt Jackson, meetings and workshops, as well as a roundtable of UNIMA International.

DSC08964 - kopie.jpg

Prague Theatre B at the prestigious JEM international puppet festival

iOtesanek

The Czech Street Party is not merely a festival; it's a celebration of milestones and an occasion for cultural exchange and dialogue. This year, it commemorated 20 years of the Czech Republic's membership in the EU. Since its accession in 2004, the Czech Republic has played an integral role in the EU's cultural, economic, and political landscape. The street party serves as a testament to the European motto united in diversity.

Visitors of the Czech Street Party could discover Czech music & gastronomy. Live music performances reverberated through the Place de la Monnaie, featuring a diverse range of genres from folklore (VUS Ondráš) to modern beats (Děda Mládek Illegal Band, Support Lesbiens and Chinaski), ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the event, visitors had the chance to engage with experts who shared insights into the country's history, language, and customs. Interactive quizzes accompanied the afternoon with valuable prizes to be won. On individual stands, visitors had the opportunity to get to know better various regions of the Czech Republic. The visitors of the stand of the City of Prague had the unique opportunity to visit the Czech capital from the cab of the Prague tram thanks to the tram simulator developed by the Secondary School of Transport and Prague Public Transit Company. For the youngest visitors the tradition of the Czech Puppets was presented by the Prague Theatre B.

The popular event to celebrate Czech culture, friendship, and the enduring bonds that unite us as Europeans was once again a great success.

DSC07471.jpg

Czech Street Party 2024

Czech Street Party

The jazz quartet 2in2out was founded by saxophonist Nela Dusová and guitar player Jan Lacina, who are also the authors of the group’s modern
jazz repertoire. The duo of authors was joined by Adam Sikora on drums and recently also by Slovak double bassist Peter Korman. In the past few
years, 2in2out has managed to develop from an originally student project into one of the most interesting Czech jazz groups. In June 2024 the
band will release the album Living Stories on the Bivak Records label.

Nela Dusová is a Czech saxophonist and composer and belongs to the performers of the rising jazz generation. Born in Hradec Králové, she currently lives in Prague. She is a graduate of the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory and the Music Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Previously, she also studied Czech language and literature at the Charles University. As an author and player she co-leads two projects,
2in2out and Common Ground. She played in the Event Horizon project which was historically chosen as the first Czech band to perform at the European showcase Jazzahead! She has collaborated with many popular music interpreters and jazz big bands (Milan Svoboda and the Prague big band, Concept Art Orchestra, etc.) as well as foreign performers (Møw, Hendrika Entzian). In 2019, together with the band 2in2out, she won the Jazz Fruit competition. In 2022, Czech Radio selected her for the Euroradio Jazz Orchestra EBU. She currently teaches at two music schools (ZUŠ Otakar Vondrovice in Poděbrady, ZUŠ Vadim Petrov in Prague) and is an occasional author of music articles and interviews.

Jan Lacina is a Czech guitarist and composer based in Prague. He is a graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he studied with David Dorůžka, Štěpánka Balcarová and Jaromír Honzák. Part of the study took place at the Anton Bruckner Privätuniversität Linz in Austria, where he performed and collaborated with Peter Herbert, Aydin Esen, Stephan Braun and many others. As an author, he co-leads project 2in2out with saxophone player Nela Dusová. Jan is interested in many forms of jazz and improvised music. He is a guitarist in the swing quartet Hot
Brew, which plays dance music for communities around Europe. In 2019, together with the band 2in2out, he won the Jazz Fruit competition. He currently teaches at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory (Prague).

Articles

Designblok Cosmos at the Brussels Design September festival

Brussels Design September 2024

Opening of the Exhibition "Big Thing"

Meeting with the candidate for European Commissioner Jozef Síkela

Newly elected Czech MEPs met at Prague House for the first time

Festive opening of the exhibition of Ivan Pinkava: ABLAZE IN THE ...

Joint meeting of the members of the Czech and Slovak delegations ...

Kafka in Comics

Science Café: Tactical Urbanism

Prague Theatre B at the prestigious JEM international puppet fest...

Czech Street Party 2024

PH Concert Series: Living Stories