The Jihlava exhibition at the Mahler House is dedicated to Hoffmann

Jihlava - Visitors to the exhibition Josef Hoffmann - Symphony of Architecture and Design in Black and White will see black and white furniture, patterns of textiles, and glass and porcelain tableware designed by architect Josef Hoffmann, which begins on Tuesday at the Gustav Mahler House in Jihlava. The exhibition addresses the question of the relationship between Josef Hoffmann and Gustav Mahler, significant figures from the Vysočina region, for the first time. This was announced today by Radek Tulis, spokesman for the Jihlava city hall.
    "Both experienced childhood here, which inspired them in their subsequent creations. The exhibition also demonstrates that their friendship was long and very strong," Tulis stated.
    Hoffmann sought to achieve visual harmony in his designs and the highest quality of execution. He introduced geometric elements into the world of modern architecture and design. In the early 20th century, he took delight in the contrast of black and white colors, which he applied to his buildings' interiors as well as artistic and craft objects. Later in his designs, he also used very vibrant colors.
    In 1903, Hoffmann, along with painter and designer Koloman Moser and industrialist Fritz Waerndorfer, founded the Wiener Werkstätte artisan workshops. Furniture, works made from precious and common metals, book bindings, and later ceramics and textiles were created there. Hoffmann's architectural studio was also part of it.
    Josef Hoffmann is considered one of the most significant world architects and designers of the first half of the 20th century. He was born on December 15, 1870, in Brtnice in a house on what is today Svobody Square. Today, the house houses the Josef Hoffmann Museum, which is a joint workplace of the Moravian Gallery in Brno and the MAK – Austrian Museum of Applied and Contemporary Art in Vienna.
    The exhibition is organized by the city of Jihlava in cooperation with the city of Brtnice and the Moravian Gallery in Brno. It will last until February 25, 2012.