Exhibition
BLUE INNOVATIONS
permanent exhibition
Since the 1950s, the Ústředí lidové umělecké výroby (The Centre for Folk Art Production), had been the producer of high-quality goods as well as the hub for modern experimental blueprint. Thanks to the unique collaboration of great artists and excellent craftsmen, the Centre produced original items using traditional techniques set into contemporary context. Such a creative approach is unique in Central Europe and might be interesting for visitors abroad.
In the 1990s, the last remaining blueprint workshops in the Czech Republic – belonging to the Danzinger and Joch families – became independent. Although they currently produce other goods as well, they follow in their ancestors’ footsteps as the staff and managers are descendants of the founders. They own and still use the moulds which were originally used for making regional folklore clothing.
Many contemporary Czech designers appreciate the high quality of handmade products, the craftsmanship and the connection to tradition. Czech blueprint offers them just that and has a great potential for further development in the hands of up-and-coming fashion designers.
The exhibition was inspired by the fact that the traditional blueprint technology had been included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The exhibition was originally intended for Central Europe including the Czech Republic, who had jointly applied (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany) for blueprint to be recognized by UNESCO.
The aim of the exhibition is to introduce the traditional blueprint in the Czech Republic with particular focus on its unique and innovative approach which resonates with contemporary audience.
Organised by: the Czech Centres
Curator: Alice Klouzková
Graphic Design: Adam Uchytil
Architectonic Design: Lenka Míková
Photo, video: Tomáš Brabec
More about project
Alice Klouzková
Alice Klouzková graduated from the Studio of Fashion Design at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (AAAD) and worked there for several years as an assistant after completing her studies. She established the fashion brand SISTERSCONSPIRACY with Jana Jetelová in 2005. She has been managing the Studio of Fashion Design at the Scholastika School of Contemporary Arts since 2014. As part of her doctoral studies at the AAAD she researches the use of indigo print and other traditional textile techniques in contemporary fashion design. The indigo print is at the core of her work. She uses it extensively when designing clothing and accessories, promotes it systematically through the Czech Craft Heritage project, holds lectures and organises indigo print workshops. She is also active as a curator and has published the book Heritage: Tradition, Innovation, Fashion. The Blue Innovations exhibition is her latest artistic project.
