LONDON.- A new exhibition devoted to the legacy of Czech graphic design entitled IDENTITA - The Story of Czech Graphic Design opened at Notting Hill’s Window and Bouda galleries.

The exhibit, which received much acclaim in its homeland, showcases an extensive collection of Czech graphic design from early 20th century to the present day, highlighting its most significant achievements as well as the evolution of the discipline and the effect it has on society.

“Czech graphic design is known in the world mainly thanks to masterpieces from the modernist era. However, the exhibition shows that other periods are also worthy of attention, especially the last twenty years. ” says Filip Blažek, curator of the exhibition.

From state symbols to books and from road signage to film posters, graphic design is a form of visual language shaping the public space around us. Czech graphic design has a specifically rich history and has been long respected by artists and graphic designers around the world.

This one-of-a-kind exhibition maps the field of graphic design in the Czech Republic (and former Czechoslovakia) and pays tribute to the outstanding artists who have shaped Czech graphic design, many of whom received international recognition and made a significant mark in the field on a global scale.

Visitors can look forward to seeing original works and reproductions of iconic posters, exquisitely designed books, magazines, and logotypes, as well as tracking the development of state symbols and navigation systems. All artefacts are accompanied by extensive texts explaining their broader cultural, historical and political context, demonstrating how design both influences and elevates ordinary items in our daily lives.

“The story of graphic design is placed in its broader cultural, social and geopolitical contexts illustrating both differences and surprising similarities between Czech and British graphic design milieus.” adds Přemysl Pela, director of Czech Centre London.
The exhibition is part of a comprehensive multi-genre project Identita - The Story of Czech Graphic Design which also includes a TV series, a feature film and a book.

The London show will be accompanied by additional events on Czech graphic design throughout the spring and summer.