Dialógy SK. Small and Larger Topics in Slovak Design

This exhibition offers a glimpse at the Slovak designer scene. We rely on the ability of design to convey messages – about the thoughts of their authors, the motivations and aims of such thoughts and the broader context in which they arise, as well as about surroundings, society and history, because all of this pierces through the mind’s deep layers, motivates and shapes... We are making good use of the fact that design is a specific medium of the modern era, a medium that people can relate to and understand. In doing so, we offer the audience symbolic dialogues between the designer and the visitor, curators, designers and the general public...

We are presenting works of design created mostly by young designers in recent years. Twenty-two designers and two studios are showcasing a broad range of products and objects that attract attention, tell stories, serve or simply please in their own way, be it conspicuously or subtly.

We gladly present ourselves through the production of the glassworks Rona, which could be seen as our “family heirloom”. This company with a remarkable history going as far back as 1892 is now one of the global leaders in the production of glassware, with its design being the work of Patrik Illo. The quality of design of large-scale producers is also evidenced by Novesta shoes, Tuli children’s play objects and Brik furniture.

A number of independent creators with their own small brands are also featured in the exhibition, notably the textile company Puojd, the studios Mejd and Allt, and Monada Bag. These brands come up with their own ideas drawing on local environments. Local inspirations are apparent in works where design weds craftsmanship, the artist’s flair for work with materials, and the very nature of the object. Young designers are reaching for new materials and new technologies that allow them to experiment with content, concepts and forms. On the other hand - wood as a traditional material in Slovak design does not lose any of its appeal while opening up new possibilities. After all, ceramics and jewellery are areas where design meets art.

We are proud to present a project that has piqued the interest of the general public worldwide over the past two years – AeroMobil, or the “flying car” as designed by Štefan Klein. In its unique category within modes of transport, the flying car represents the pinnacle of science, technology, construction and design. At the same time, it underlines the principal message of our exhibition – that the large and the small objects can have something in common. This is also seen in the unique “flying design” also in a form of a kite.