Meet the Maker

Rony Plesl

Designer & Artist

The master of the craft

If you have been keeping up with the world of design, you probably already know that Rony is one of the most internationally acclaimed Czech sculptors and designers, who – as a professor at the Prague’s Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design (UMPRUM) – mentored half of the rising designer stars on our roster. 

But just to be sure, here is a little recap: Rony’s work ranges from sculptures and decorative items to industrially produced glassware. He favours timeless aesthetics over trends and – unlike many of his pickier colleagues – doesn’t shy away from commercial work (chances are you have already drunk beer from one of his glasses). In 2011, he was named the Designer of the Year for his work for Moser and Lasvit. 

Rony always encourages his students to test their capabilities abroad. He himself worked all over the world – he did internships in France or Tchaj-wan, worked in Germany as a chief designer of Sahm, in Italy for Barovier & Toso or in Turkey for Denizli by Pasabahce. And his most recent success? An exhibition at the infamous Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Mic drop.

EXHIBITIONS:

2023 Trees Grow from the Sky, Museum Kampa, Prague
2022 Group Exhibition: Geometria naturalis, Kvalitář Gallery, Prague
2022 Trees Grow from the Sky, Collateral Event of the 59th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, Venice
2021 Incarnation (with Richard Stipl), DSC Gallery, Prague
COMPETITIONS:

2019 Good Design Award
2019 Red Dot Award
2011 Czech Grand Design
Rony Plesl life's big questions Read more
Rony Plesl questions image 1 Rony Plesl questions image 2

Big life questions

WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY?

My name is Rony.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR SUNDAY AFTERNOONS?

I like to spend my Sunday afternoons on Friday afternoons, I enjoy it much more. I usually go to the bookstore to buy a nice book and buy wine and delicatessen.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PERSON TO SHOW YOU THEIR ARTISTIC SKILLS (in any field such as art, music, painting, glass, ceramics, architecture...), WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I would like to watch the best ballerina in the world (I don't know who she is) dancing without music, alone in a hall. I'm fascinated by the art of ballet. I love the beautiful necks and upright toe figures of the ballerinas.

WHAT OR WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU LATELY AND WHY?

Milan Knížák, especially his literary work, which is the basis for his designs, paintings and sculptures. There are few artists so thoughtful and always searching.

WHAT MUSIC OR BOOKS ARE YOU LISTENING TO/READING THESE DAYS? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS/WRITERS?

I've rediscovered Albert Camus, his books are pleasantly unsettling especially in a time when everyone has a "clear" opinion on everything. The love of my life is Dostoyevsky and I'm increasingly listening to old teenage loves like Bulat Okudjava or Lubos Pospisil.

WHAT ALBUM OR SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR PERSONAL LIFE OR CREATIVE PROCESS?

I Started a Joke by Faith No More.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR WORK/DESIGN, DO ANY PARTICULAR EMOTIONS COME TO MIND?

A beautiful girl dancing in a church.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES 

A small balcony, high up, almost anywhere in the centre of Paris. A large pergola on a farm in Provence or Tuscany, and especially our pavilion in Agnes Street, facing the garden with a view of the Hastal Church.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?

Venice. I've spent a lot of time there and they already know me in several restaurants, just like in Prague.