Identity – The Story of Czech Graphic Design
February 28 | 5:30 pm – June 30 | 5:00 pm
Graphic design—including posters, books, magazines, logos, orientation systems, and even national symbols—plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of every nation. For the Czech Republic (and formerly Czechoslovakia), the history of graphic design since the early 20th century has been particularly complex. The Czechs had to fight for their own statehood, endure two world wars, navigate two totalitarian regimes, and transition from a socialist planned economy to a market economy.
Through original works and reproductions, visitors to the exhibition will explore the most significant achievements in Czech graphic design and learn about their creators. Accompanied by detailed texts, the exhibition positions these works within their broader cultural, historical, and political contexts, showcasing the power of graphic design to influence society and reflect societal changes.
Curated by Filip Blažek and Linda Kudrnovská, in collaboration with commissioner David Korecký, the exhibition is part of the multi-genre project Identity – The Story of Czech Graphic Design(www.projektidentita.cz). This ambitious initiative also includes a seven-part television series, a feature film, and a bilingual monograph (published in Czech and English) under the same title.
The traveling exhibition Identity is a collaboration between by Typo, the Mowshe Studio, the Museum of Literature, and the Czech Centres network. The graphic design was undertaken by the Marvil Studio, while the exhibition design was created by Adam Blažek, Jan Kloss, and Matěj Činčera from Okolo.
- EXHIBITION OPENING With curators Filip Blažek and Linda Kudrnovská Friday 28 February 2025, 18:30 – 20:30 Free entry, REGISTER HERE
- EXHIBITION DATES: 28 February – 30 June 2025
- VENUE Vitrínka Gallery, Czech Centre London 30 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QY & Bouda Gallery, Czech Centre London 132 Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, London, W8 4RT
- OPENING HOURS: Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm or by appointment – +44 (0) 207 836 3669
