Year of creation

2026

About project

The GRASSHOPPERS collector’s edition follows on from the previous animal editions PLUSH ANIMALS, DARK CAVE ANIMALS, and FEATHER ANIMALS.

In the new edition, I address the relationship between a vessel and an animal. A vase lying on a tabletop, into which a grasshopper jumps, which is observed by two others from outside the vase – here the tension of the boundary between life and death arises – if a grasshopper jumps into the vessel, it will probably not get out alive. Observed during glass storage, where insects often end their lives tragically (spiders, etc. in vessels). Another such example is a grasshopper covered by a container – a person’s reaction to a creature they are afraid of or want to get – they cover it with a container, observe it, imprison it. In other vases, I also address relational and communication perceptions from nature, such as courting a partner, insects fighting for territory, etc. Here, the form of the container is left with its neck up like a vase, often playing this neutral role at that moment.

Each piece is unique, mouth-blown into a wooden mold.

The vase objects are a demonstration of perfect craftsmanship. The hand-modeled figures, which are a faithful imitation of living creatures down to the last detail, were created by glass master Martin Štefánek from Desná, Czech republic. I then paint the individual grasshopper figures by hand, and it was necessary to develop new colors for this painting and their subsequent fixation at high temperatures of glass melting in a glass furnace – i.e. without firing in a glass furnace, as is usually done. The figures are then hot glued to the vase.

The objects are part of the Off the Beaten Track exhibition at The Chemistry Gallery, on view until March 1, 2026.

Hall 40, Bubenské nábř. 306/13, 170 00 Prague 7-Holešovice

For more information, please contact me at frantisekjungvirt@gmail.com.