Triumph of Trophies is an artistic reflection on the culture of awards and recognition in contemporary society. Velčovský’s work operates at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and conceptual design, often using glass as a medium to explore deeper social and historical contexts.

“In Maxim’s case, trophies aim to reflect human attitudes with irony, focusing on our perception of awards and the fragile reality of success,” says Dr. Stephan Hamel, one of the exhibition’s initiators, curator and an art and design theorist.

This exhibition reinterprets the trophy as an artifact that, over time, transforms from a prestigious accolade into an object carrying an unexpected ironic narrative. The installations will primarily feature glass objects, some of which will be made from uranium glass, known for its unique fluorescence that creates fascinating visual effects.

“Trophies are fascinating objects – they carry stories of triumph, but at the same time, they can symbolize downfall or emptiness. I wanted to create a series that explores this paradox and sparks a discussion about the value of awards in today’s world,” says Maxim Velčovský.

The exhibition will be part of the broader program of Milan Design Week, which annually attracts designers, artists, and curators from around the world. Triumph of Trophies will present objects that merge traditional techniques with modern approaches, challenging conventional perceptions of prestige and recognition.

All the works were created in the AJETO glassworks, founded in 1994 by Petr Novotný and Bořek Šípek and, who collaborated with many design companies among others with Driade, Vitra, Sawaya & Moroni, Rosenthal, Anthologie Quartett, Arzenal etc. AJETO glassworks soon became synonymous worldwide with Czech hand-formed decorative glass for almost the next 30 years, and the glassworks became the mecca of glass processing for the world’s glass artists, designers, architects, show business personalities and filmmakers. Lot of trophies have been made here.

The exhibition „Triumph of Trophies“ is held under the patronage of His Excellency Ivan Počuch, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Milan. The press conference event will take place on April 3, 2025, and Grand Vernissage then on April 7th, and is expected to be attended by key figures from the global design scene as well as contemporary art enthusiasts. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 1st until April 13th, 2025.