Czech Modernist Design

"The birth of Cubism in Paris in 1907 had a major impact on Modern art. Young artists all over the world were mesmerized by Picasso's and Braque's radically new representations of reality. In Prague however, the response to Cubism was internationally unique, extending far beyond the realm of fine arts. Working alongside painters and sculptors in 1909, a group of avant-garde architects and designers created the all embracing style of Czech cubism. Crystalline shapes, sharp points, electrifying zigzags are their trademarks. Their distinctive angular style appears in everything from apartment blocks and villas to furniture, ceramics, book covers and even set designs for the stage.

The definitive publication on the Czech Cubist Movement, this beautifully designed, scholarly volume collates important articles written on the subject by Czech and other experts from around the world.

Scholars will find essays here on all aspects of the movement, while casual readers can feast their eyes on its 750 illustrations.

Extracts from correspondence and art manifestoes, as well as personal life stories, bring this extraordinary period to life Helping the reader to understand the special circumstances that led a handful of radical artists to create a uniquely Czech form of cubism."

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"Vlastislav Hofman (1884-1864) was a respected designer, painter and architect. He was a leading figure among Czech Modernists who came on the scene in the first decade of the twentieth century. A close associate of Karel and Josef Capek and many others who, with an eye on developments in Europe, helped to change the face of art in their country, his works were published in avant-garde journals at home and abroad. Together with pavel Janek and Josef Gocar he was one of the chief proponents of Czech Cubism - an internationally unique movement that applied the ideas of Cubist art to architecture and the decorative arts. It was in theatre, however, where Hofman’s many talents came together. Working with foremost Czech theatre directors he designed sets and costumes for hundreds of plays and operas, attracting international attention. The Current publication, lavishly illustrated with contributions by leading scholars, is the first to show Hofman’s life and works in all dimensions."

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