BRO. 

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My name's Ivana Kocmanová, and I am an embroidery artist and designer based in Prague, Czech Republic. Drawing inspiration from photographs, I employ hand embroidery as a medium to examine the current world with a touch of imaginative exaggeration. My vision is strongly influenced by urban life, subcultures, and street fashion. My work often delves into themes of personal freedom, motherhood, and feminism.

 

The initial inspiration for my work came from a childhood memory. At the age of eight, my mum regularly received intricately embroidered doilies made by my aunt, who was in prison at the time. This experience sparked my interest in embroidery, and when she returned home, I asked her to teach me.

 

However, all the women who surrounded me as a child were involved in some other handicrafts such as knitting or sewing clothes. In retrospect, I realize what a powerful tool for expressing their life strength and creativity and what a great source of joy this invisible and unappreciated craft was for them. My endeavor serves as a tribute and a source of encouragement for all women who, despite facing everyday challenges, strive to share their voices and pass on their unique life experiences.

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PERMANENT COLLECTIONS

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Museum of Applieds Art, Moravian Gallery, Brno, Czech Republic

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AWARDS

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2022   Designblok Awards Nominee, Veolia Award for the best sustainable project 

2020   Czech Grand Design Awards 2019 Nominee

2019   Designblok Awards 2019 Nominee

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SOLO EXHIBITIONS

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2023   Czechdesign Centre, Prague, Czech Republic

2018   Krystal Galerie, Havirov, Czech Republic

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

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2023  High Craft, Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague, Designblok, Czech Republic

2023  The Gallery, Austin, TX, United States

2022   Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague, Designblok, Czech Republic

2022   The 14th International Textile and Fibre Art Biennial "Scythia", Ivano-Frankivs'k, Ukraine

2021   Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague, Designblok, Czech Republic

2021   British Textile Biennial, Blackburn Cathedral, United Kingdom

2020   Designblok, Prague International Design Festival, Czech Republic

2019   Krehky Mikulov, Central Europe’s festival of art and design, Czech Republic

2019   Designblok, Prague International Design Festival, Czech Republic

2018   Designblok, Prague International Design Festival, Czech Republic

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PROJECTS

2019   Street installations, Bushwick, New York

2018   Street installations, Red Hook, New York

 

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