PROJECTS
Collective Memory
Exhibition in Nika Gallery.
Katarína Nábilková is fascinated by the “resuscitation” of historical objects and transferring them into a contemporary context, which offers space for new interpretations across generations. She focuses on working with objects, and her work moves between original jewellery and spatial installation. In Nika’s space, Katarína reinterprets the phenomenon of “C-shaped” objects through both collective and personal histories. Two levels of memory are reflected in two types of materials – metal and white textile, whose contrast reveals the tension between individual and collective stories. Nevertheless, both materials are connected by their shape – C-shaped objects, which were in the 1980s part of the popular collecting and exchanging and are also linked to the artist’s personal experience from later times. The chain of metal C-shaped objects represents the collective level of memories, while the textile C-shaped objects embody the intimate level of the author’s childhood memories. The installation invites viewers to uncover layers of their memory, discover the stories they carry deep within, and reflect on how these stories shape shared narratives.
Hoopla
The swing is a child's dream come true - playful, tinkling and a little opulent. It embodies joy, freedom and a return to a carefree childhood. It is made of ceramic chains of different sizes that create a specific sound atmosphere. The supporting structure consists of ceramic rings connected by cotton ropes.
The unusual choice of material - ceramic - during the creation process brought an exploration of its limits and resistance in movement. The result is an object that exceeds conventional expectations. The gentle tinkling creates new memories while referencing the playground atmosphere and the creak of the swings we are familiar with.
The colour scheme draws on the natural hues of ceramic, beech wood and rope. This visual leaves room for imagination, inviting the viewer to dream into their own memories and apply the colours of their childhood to the swing.
Synthesis
The collaborative project with Adam Pisca called "Synthesis" brings new perspectives on the interconnection of opposing approaches, themes and materials that at first glance seem incompatible. In the Synthesis project, it is specifically about the connection between textiles, especially tapestry, and lighting in the form of neon lights. This fusion opens up new and unexplored possibilities in the field of home accessories, applied art and design. The soft, delicate and warm textiles are contrasted with the cool glass neon. The intangible light and shadow thus contrast with the haptic qualities of the textile.
New Episode
The jewelry collection is made from unused and now obsolete adrenaline needles. Precious metals are used in the jewelry, but they are not immediately visible and do not draw our attention. The collection diverges from the aesthetic of jewelry with "traditional" material value and the associated social prestige. It carries a philosophical background that expresses the wearer's relationship to the jewelry. Thus, the jewelry confronts its surroundings and challenges established stereotypes. Scarves in this collaboration project are produced by Textile Designer Adam Pisca.
Selection CC Exhibition
The architecture of the group exhibition was developed in collaboration with Czech Design Week and Curator Contemporary. It is designed as a temporary, reusable structure made from recyclable cardboard materials. This approach provides a sustainable solution for the short-term exhibition Selection.
Collaborative project with Textile Designer Adam Pisca.
Balance of Nature
The "Balance of nature" light objects bring the calm and balance of the natural scenery into the interior with their colours and the composition of the objects. Bringing nature indoors and into everyday life is especially enriching for our mental health. The way of life we live nowadays is strongly influenced by the environment in which we spend more and more of our time, which is the interior. Whether we work or relax in them. That is why it is important to bring natural associations, shades and harmonious shapes into the environments in which we find ourselves.
Winner of Preciosa’s Master of Crystal competition 2022
The Tension
The vases from “The Tension” collection were created based on the exploration of environmental issues. The glass objects are complemented by a pattern created using melted water from Italian glacier Marmolada. The object includes a Dolomite stone that the artist collected during the expedition. The result is a utility object for the interior that carries a message for the future and reflects contemporary issues that resonate in society.
String Theory
The project is inspired by the creative approach of architect Maya Lin. In her work, she focuses on concepts involving the study of the universe, mathematics, physics, and geography, and collaborates with scientists. As she herself says, "I want to be a scientist; now, together with science, I create a different perspective on people's surroundings." Jewelry as a body object is created based on the physical image of the world, with the idea that the fundamental "building blocks" of the universe are strings.
Time Capsule
The installation creates a hybrid between a time capsule in the present and a memorial in the future. It highlights contemporary environmental issues, specifically the melting of glaciers in Europe. Inside the glass vial is melted ice from the Marmolada glacier, which is destined for detailed research in the future. Underneath the glass vial is a rock collected from under the glacier and objects that the author found under an avalanche after the glacier collapsed.
The Last Course
A gold toothpick in the past signified the status of the host or guest at a ceremonial table. Queen Elizabeth I wore it as a pendant and proudly displayed her gold, gemstone-encrusted toothpick around her neck.
The toothpick is hidden under a cloche. This cover was primarily used to preserve the temperature and aroma of the dish, adding an element of surprise to the dining experience. Here, a gold toothpick is hidden under the cloche for the guest. While dining etiquette has evolved, the need for dental hygiene remains. For this reason, a silver case has been created for the gold toothpick, allowing us to carry it with us and perform dental hygiene in the restroom, in private, adhering to the principles of etiquette.