Kubista: A New Wave of Cubism

(jiří macek) The Prague Kubista boutique is preparing a whole range of new products for Designblok, replicas of cubist designs, and brand new shapes. As a small taste, we would like to show you some of them in conjunction with an interview with the boutique owner František Staněk.

What do you like most from the Cubist epoch?
František Staněk: I rank architecture inspired by Cubism first. I consider the vases designed by Jaroslav Horejc to be absolutely timeless. The famous chair that was designed by Pavel Janák is also very beautiful and also practical, which is not very typical for Cubist and Art Deco items. One can sit on it very comfortably – thus, the architect managed to harmonize “the dictate of form” with functionality in a very ingenious way.

What makes you initiate the launch of new products designed in the style of the past?
Every day we are confronted with many products that represent the inspiration or application of previously implemented forms, methods, and functions. The morphology of stylized decorativeness, geometry, and inspiration by natural structures (e.g. crystallic forms) that resonate both in Cubism and Art Deco are universally effective methods – then and now. Thus, one does not have to urge many young designers to apply what artists and creative people have already used for a long time in other fields.

Can you describe the process? Do you give a specific assignment to designers?
We rarely give a specific commission or a precise assignment. That would be slightly restrictive and would not correspond with our philosophy that puts an emphasis on openness. We commission designers whose qualities and focus harmonize with the style and materials that are convenient for inspiration. Considering our experience, we are able to judge which product is attractive. However, this is not the only criterion for including it in our collections. Since we do not think our taste is unerring and decisive, we often place our trust the quality of the designer.

Which products have pleased you the most recently?
The Art Deco tabourets and flower pole designed by Karel Jarolímek, and a new replica of a large Cubist chandelier. Its original is a part of the collection in Bauer’s villa by Josef Gočár where the exhibition of the Foundation of Czech Cubism opened recently. We cooperate very closely with this foundation. All these items will be displayed at Designblok, plus the replica of the chandelier will be placed in our Kubista boutique in Ovocný trh.

Kubista was nominated for Showroom of the Year at the Czech Grand Design Awards for its activities last year. The boutique presented its new pieces at Křehký by Czech Republic during Design Week in Milan. At Designblok, one will be able to find its collector collection, as well as new pieces now available in the boutique located in Ovocný trh and at a special installation in Superstudio Corso (Křižíkova 34, Praha 8).

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