Republic Tray CZE - White
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
design: Maxim Velčovský, 2001 - 2022
material: porcelain
dimensions: 14 x 26 x 1,7 cm
The bowl originally titled Heimweh (homesickness) was part of Maxim Velčovský's master thesis. It represents a specific souvenir in the shape of the Czech Republic, which is loosely based on the work of Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, specifically his series of organic glass vases from the 1930s; it literally became a symbol of national identity, although its Arp-like pure form made it impossible to place anything in it, so as not to spoil the resulting impression. It therefore often remains empty, as design in the function of free art. Velčovský, on the other hand, chose a specific topographical abstraction, which, although a direct reference to Czech statehood, remains illegible to the uninitiated. The problematic use is identical.
ABOUT DESIGNER
Maxim Velčovský (1976) is one of the most prominent contemporary Czech designers. His work also resonates in an international context. He graduated from UMPRUM in Prague, where he currently heads the Ceramics and Porcelain Studio. In 2002, together with Jakub Berdych Karpelis, he founded the Qubus studio, which has played a significant role in popularising design to the public in the Czech environment. He is the initiator of the "new wave" of Czech design. His work is represented in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Neue Sammlung in Munich and the Design Museum in Lausanne. He is currently the art-director of Lasvit.
ABOUT THE BRAND
The Qubus brand was founded in 2002 by Jakub Berdych Karpelis together with Maxim Velčovský and in the same year they opened the eponymous brick-and-mortar design shop in Prague's Old Town as the first ever design shop in the Czech Republic. The main idea and motivation of Qubus is to design, produce and present Czech contemporary and conceptual design with wit and unconventionality. A number of now iconic design products, collections and works have been created under the Qubus brand and the Qubus brand, the first on the market at the time, has become one of the most popular design studios in the Czech Republic in its 20 years of operation. Qubus products are characterized by their humour and search for new meanings and contexts.
Qubus designers most often work with traditional Czech materials - glass or porcelain, and their hallmark is a humorous play with morphology and function. Central European sarcasm meets commentary on the world around us in Qubus products. They respond to lifestyles, mirror prejudices and reflect cultural and social themes and trends.
Among the products in the Qubus portfolio, we find luxury and everyday pieces that shape taste and push its boundaries. In addition to conceptual and product design, the studio also executes interior design, architecture and free art projects by Jakub Berdych Karpelis and other artists it invites to collaborate.
