14. 2.–29. 3. 2025
opening: February, 13th, 2025 at 6 pm
Gallery UM, UMPRUM, nám. Jana Palacha 80, Prague 1
Open: Mon-Sat, 10 am-6 pm
Free admission
Accompanying program:
Thursday, March 6th, at 18.00 - evening with the artists of the exhibition
Saturday, March 22nd, at 15.00 - guided tour
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of UMPRUM, the UM Gallery presents an exhibition dedicated to the recent past of the K. O. V. Studio, when it was led by the prominent artist and designer Eva Eisler. It presents not only Eisler's work but also the students' work influenced by her teaching practice. The exhibition also serves as a thank-you and a framing of her tenure at UMPRUM from 2007-2023. It traces the community of figures and relationships shaping the continuous process of creation in the K. O. V. Studio.
In the 16 years of Professor Eva Eisler's tenure, a total of 89 students passed through the studio, and another 28 came for internships from other schools, and countries. From the very beginning, she approached her leadership with a clear idea of a future direction. This was reflected in the new name of the studio - K.O.V. (concept, object, meaning) Eva Eisler gave room for experimentation with materials and conception of the theme. At the same time, she insisted on high-quality final works, including craftsmanship.
She has managed to surround herself with great collaborators - assistant Eva Humlova, assistants Peter Demek and Martin Papcún, and workshop master Andrei Navumenka. She invited inspiring individuals from abroad, such as Gijs Bakker, Claus Bury, and Helen Drutt, to lead workshops and lectures. Alongside students, they consistently fostered an environment that nurtured creativity, craftsmanship, intellectual growth, and a deep sense of sensitivity. Student projects had to meet the high standards of the competitive international exhibition scene. The works of the Studio of K. O. V. have been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich, the Czech Center in New York, the Marzee Gallery in Nijmegen, the ZIBA Museum of Modern Glass, the Rudolfinum Gallery in Prague, and numerous other renowned institutions.
"We approached the teachers and students of the studio from Eva Eisler's time and most of them happily accepted the offer to exhibit together. As a result, visitors have the opportunity to see school projects and contemporary works by more than sixty artists," describe the curators Kateřina Michálková and Tereza Vernerová Volná. There are works created during the study years in the studio of K. O. V., as well as contemporary works of the exhibitors. You will find small objects, sculptures, jewellery, tableware, children's toys, glasses, and shoes, as well as performative and site-specific projects captured in video projections.
The exhibition deliberately presents the work of students and teachers together in a non-hierarchical way, connected in a network of relationships. "The community formed in the studio during my studies is proving to be a strong one even after all these years, and what's more, this network is growing! Many graduates continue to work together professionally, create in shared studios, and inspire each other. Some relationships have grown into long-lasting friendships or even partnerships. We wanted to emphasize this aspect, that we carry not only knowledge from our school years but above all personal connections." add the curators. Through small details such as captions, the use of typical plywood elements of the installation, photographs of studio life, and selected memories of students, the exhibition captures the atmosphere of the K. O. V. Studio and brings it into the gallery space.
The exhibition K. O. V. 2007–2023. Community – Personalities – Relationships, led by Eva Eisler, will be possible to visit at Gallery UM until March 29th, 2025.
