Looking back at Artsemester Winter 2024/2025
The traditional exhibition of semester and final projects, Artsemestr, held between January 30th and February 4th, 2025, took place for the first time this year in both UMPRUM buildings, following the recent trend set by the diploma and bachelor thesis exhibitions. In addition to the traditional presentations in the studios on Jan Palach Square, visitors were also able to view works in the more challenging open space of the Technology Center Mikulandská, located near Národní třída. The recent winter exhibition featuring works by all UMPRUM students marked the beginning of the celebrations for the 140th anniversary of the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague.
Studio of Architecture I
Under the newly arrived leadership team composed of Andrew Kiel, Jakub Herza, and Viktória Mravčáková, the Studio of Architecture I focused primarily on materializing their semester projects. These projects dealt with the redefinition of the DUP (Dům uměleckého průmyslu) – House of Art Industry on Národní třída, exploring strategies for its future use and testing their functionality through spatial models.
Studio of Architecture II
Students of the Studio of Architecture II worked under the overarching theme City of Care: How to Go From Bias to Inclusivity (Město a péče: Od předsudků k inkluzivitě). Designing a “world for everyone” is only possible if we abandon the notion that there is a single ideal type of citizen. Social aspects and dimensions—just like the design of specific physical structures—are equally valid components in the broader definition of architecture.
Studio of Architecture III and Studio of Ceramics and Porcelain
The Studio of Architecture III students teamed up this semester with colleagues from the Department of Applied Arts. Under the collective title Clayhouse – The House as an Extension of the Human, they presented a joint collection of ceramic utility elements that reflected a blend of craftsmanship and technological thinking.
Studio of Architecture IV
The final projects of the Studio of Architecture IV served as a space for developing related and loosely derived themes that students had worked on throughout the winter semester. The starting point was a collaboration with Prof. Gottfried Müller, focusing on the old town of Most and its modern successor. The final presentations reflected more personal and individual contexts shaped by each student’s perspective.
Studio of Glass
The leadership of the Glass Studio demanded consistent and intensive work, culminating in a search for—or the strengthening of—each student’s artistic voice. Instead of a shared assignment, the result was dozens of distinctive objects, each symbolizing its creator’s unique style and personality..
Studio of Concept – Object – Meaning (K.O.V.)
For the students of the K.O.V. Studio, the framework for thinking was defined by the assignment The New Domestic Landscape, The Invisible Detail to understand the multi-layered concept of invisibility as a method for design making. The theme focused on objects from one's immediate environment, such as architectural details or small objects of everyday use.
Textile Studio and Fashion Design Studio
Students of the Studios of Fashion Design and Textiles presented a team project exploring how a single assignment can be approached from various perspectives. The theme, The Eternity of the Present, focused on the free interpretation or reworking of pieces from the extensive archives of the Lobkowicz Collections. Senior students continued with individual projects that built on their ongoing creative processes.
Studio of Fashion and Footwear Design
SPOLU PRÁCE (COLLABORATIVE WORK) was the main theme and pillar of the winter semester for the students of the Studio of Fashion and Footwear Design. It culminated in a demonstration of models using fabrics from the company VEBA Broumov, with whom they worked on the collection.
Studio of Fine Art I (Sculpture)
Apart from the final project emphasizing the development of their own work, the Studio of Fine Arts I also participated in enriching the public space of Hradec Králové. The primary focus was a 24-hour broadcast of Radio Křoví.
Studio of Fine Art II (Painting)
The students of Fine Art Studio II freely treated the theme of color and color theory.
Studio of Fine Art III (Intermedia Art)
The students of the Studio of Fine Arts III depicted the theme of Farmers & Aliens, capturing the tension of the coexistence of humans and simultaneously evolving technologies
Studio of Fine Art IV (Photography I)
The Studio of Fine Arts IV allowed its students to work on their free work that best captures their personality and individual visual expression.
The Visiting Artist Studio
Throughout the semester, the studio led by Sláva Sobotovičová and guest artist Anna Witt explored performative expressions of individual sensitivity and the awareness of others' needs. In addition to the main project, Survival of the Softest, students created final works based on self-directed themes.
Studio of Photography II
The leadership of the Photography Studio II, like many other studios this semester, chose to focus on a collaborative project. In partnership with the international festival Designblok, students presented a project featuring freely interpreted photographic works on the themes of Designblok and Courage.
Studio of Industrial Design
The Industrial Design Studio traditionally presents student work based on their level of advancement in the field. In addition to the evergreen assignment of creating a functional object inspired by a natural form, students focused primarily on designing a festive household essential – the Christmas tree stand.
Studio of Product Design, Studio of Furniture and Interior Design
The Product Design Studio, the Furniture and Interior Design Studio, and the UMlab laboratory also came together for a joint project focused on reimagining the public space along the riverfront in Hradec Králové. The revitalization of the waterfront included the design of public furniture and amenities.
Studio of Design and Digital Technologies
The final projects of students from the DDT Studio showcased the results of their exploration into the visual potential of sequential LED projection surfaces located between stations of the Prague metro. These explorations culminated in original artistic interventions.
Studio of Graphic Design and New Media
The Graphic Design and New Media Studio, in addition to carefully managing the Radio 202 project, focused on designing 11 real professional magazines created in collaboration with the National Museum.
Studio of Graphic Design and Visual Communications
Students of the GDVK Studio, under the fitting title Where Is My Home?, focused on creating designs for a new version of the travel passport. The project was developed in collaboration with the State Printing Works of Securities.
Studio of Animation and Film
Students of the Animation and Film Studio presented their short audiovisual works on the theme of Good News (Dobrá zpráva). The works were intended to loosely reflect the topics discussed and the knowledge gained during the semester.
Studio of Illustration and Graphics
The final exhibition of students from the Illustration and Graphics Studio was framed by a comprehensive assignment focused on visual shorthand intended for print media in Bohemia and Moravia. The outcome was a series of graphic works based on findings from their semester-long research.
Studio of Type Design and Typography
The Studio of Type Design and Typography's final project was based on the semester project "Case Study of the School Printing Workshop's Font Fund." The final outcome was a physical and digital catalog of the aforementioned, as well as the preparation of materials for the studio's upcoming exhibitions.
The report for UMPRUM Online was prepared by Karla Kislingerová (Textile Studio)
Photography: Mikuláš Mahr, Ondřej Uhlík (Studio of Photography II)
Looking back at Artsemester Winter 2024/2025
The traditional exhibition of semester and final projects, Artsemestr, held between January 30th and February 4th, 2025, took place for the first time this year in both UMPRUM buildings, following the recent trend set by the diploma and bachelor thesis exhibitions. In addition to the traditional presentations in the studios on Jan Palach Square, visitors were also able to view works in the more challenging open space of the Technology Center Mikulandská, located near Národní třída. The recent winter exhibition featuring works by all UMPRUM students marked the beginning of the celebrations for the 140th anniversary of the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague.
Studio of Architecture I
Under the newly arrived leadership team composed of Andrew Kiel, Jakub Herza, and Viktória Mravčáková, the Studio of Architecture I focused primarily on materializing their semester projects. These projects dealt with the redefinition of the DUP (Dům uměleckého průmyslu) – House of Art Industry on Národní třída, exploring strategies for its future use and testing their functionality through spatial models.
Studio of Architecture II
Students of the Studio of Architecture II worked under the overarching theme City of Care: How to Go From Bias to Inclusivity (Město a péče: Od předsudků k inkluzivitě). Designing a “world for everyone” is only possible if we abandon the notion that there is a single ideal type of citizen. Social aspects and dimensions—just like the design of specific physical structures—are equally valid components in the broader definition of architecture.
Studio of Architecture III and Studio of Ceramics and Porcelain
The Studio of Architecture III students teamed up this semester with colleagues from the Department of Applied Arts. Under the collective title Clayhouse – The House as an Extension of the Human, they presented a joint collection of ceramic utility elements that reflected a blend of craftsmanship and technological thinking.
Studio of Architecture IV
The final projects of the Studio of Architecture IV served as a space for developing related and loosely derived themes that students had worked on throughout the winter semester. The starting point was a collaboration with Prof. Gottfried Müller, focusing on the old town of Most and its modern successor. The final presentations reflected more personal and individual contexts shaped by each student’s perspective.
Studio of Glass
The leadership of the Glass Studio demanded consistent and intensive work, culminating in a search for—or the strengthening of—each student’s artistic voice. Instead of a shared assignment, the result was dozens of distinctive objects, each symbolizing its creator’s unique style and personality.
Studio of Concept – Object – Meaning (K.O.V.)
For the students of the K.O.V. Studio, the framework for thinking was defined by the assignment The New Domestic Landscape, The Invisible Detail to understand the multi-layered concept of invisibility as a method for design making. The theme focused on objects from one's immediate environment, such as architectural details or small objects of everyday use.
Textile Studio and Fashion Design Studio
Students of the Studios of Fashion Design and Textiles presented a team project exploring how a single assignment can be approached from various perspectives. The theme, The Eternity of the Present, focused on the free interpretation or reworking of pieces from the extensive archives of the Lobkowicz Collections. Senior students continued with individual projects that built on their ongoing creative processes.
Studio of Fashion and Footwear Design
SPOLU PRÁCE (COLLABORATIVE WORK) was the main theme and pillar of the winter semester for the students of the Studio of Fashion and Footwear Design. It culminated in a demonstration of models using fabrics from the company VEBA Broumov, with whom they worked on the collection.
Studio of Fine Art I (Sculpture)
Apart from the final project emphasizing the development of their own work, the Studio of Fine Arts I also participated in enriching the public space of Hradec Králové. The primary focus was a 24-hour broadcast of Radio Křoví.
Studio of Fine Art II (Painting)
The students of Fine Art Studio II freely treated the theme of color and color theory.
Studio of Fine Art III (Intermedia Art)
The students of the Studio of Fine Arts III depicted the theme of Farmers & Aliens, capturing the tension of the coexistence of humans and simultaneously evolving technologies.
Studio of Fine Art IV (Photography I)
The Studio of Fine Arts IV allowed its students to work on their free work that best captures their personality and individual visual expression.
The Visiting Artist Studio
Throughout the semester, the studio led by Sláva Sobotovičová and guest artist Anna Witt explored performative expressions of individual sensitivity and the awareness of others' needs. In addition to the main project, Survival of the Softest, students created final works based on self-directed themes.
Studio of Photography II
The leadership of the Photography Studio II, like many other studios this semester, chose to focus on a collaborative project. In partnership with the international festival Designblok, students presented a project featuring freely interpreted photographic works on the themes of Designblok and Courage.
Studio of Industrial Design
The Industrial Design Studio traditionally presents student work based on their level of advancement in the field. In addition to the evergreen assignment of creating a functional object inspired by a natural form, students focused primarily on designing a festive household essential – the Christmas tree stand.
Studio of Product Design, Studio of Furniture and Interior Design
The Product Design Studio, the Furniture and Interior Design Studio, and the UMlab laboratory also came together for a joint project focused on reimagining the public space along the riverfront in Hradec Králové. The revitalization of the waterfront included the design of public furniture and amenities.
Studio of Design and Digital Technologies
The final projects of students from the DDT Studio showcased the results of their exploration into the visual potential of sequential LED projection surfaces located between stations of the Prague metro. These explorations culminated in original artistic interventions.
Studio of Graphic Design and New Media
The Graphic Design and New Media Studio, in addition to carefully managing the Radio 202 project, focused on designing 11 real professional magazines created in collaboration with the National Museum.
Studio of Graphic Design and Visual Communications
Students of the GDVK Studio, under the fitting title Where Is My Home?, focused on creating designs for a new version of the travel passport. The project was developed in collaboration with the State Printing Works of Securities.
Studio of Animation and Film
Students of the Animation and Film Studio presented their short audiovisual works on the theme of Good News (Dobrá zpráva). The works were intended to loosely reflect the topics discussed and the knowledge gained during the semester.
Studio of Illustration and Graphics
The final exhibition of students from the Illustration and Graphics Studio was framed by a comprehensive assignment focused on visual shorthand intended for print media in Bohemia and Moravia. The outcome was a series of graphic works based on findings from their semester-long research.
Studio of Type Design and Typography
The Studio of Type Design and Typography's final project was based on the semester project "Case Study of the School Printing Workshop's Font Fund." The final outcome was a physical and digital catalog of the aforementioned, as well as the preparation of materials for the studio's upcoming exhibitions.
The report for UMPRUM Online was prepared by Karla Kislingerová (Textile Studio)
Photography: Mikuláš Mahr, Ondřej Uhlík (Studio of Photography II)