Two Glassmakers · Two Backgrounds · One Glass Sculpture

At last year’s FIND – Design Fair Asia 2024, two glassmakers from different backgrounds met for the first time:

• Jiří Pačinek, a Czech master carrying on the centuries-old tradition of glassmaking,
• Guangjun Kung, a Singaporean artist bringing the energy of the local design scene.

Their encounter gave rise to a collaborative project – the creation of an orchid-inspired glass sculpture as a tribute to Singapore’s SG60 celebrations.

Inspired by the National Flower

The artists considered several possible motifs, including the iconic Merlion, but eventually chose the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, Singapore’s national flower, as the central inspiration for their work.

Dr. Jana Leong-Škorničková from the Singapore Botanic Gardens played a key role by providing expert consultation and detailed photographs of the orchid. The final sculpture was further refined by Czech Art Crystal Halama, whose master engraver added delicate details.

Joint Creation in Singapore

On 9 September 2025, the two artists came together at the Tombalek Workshop, where the orchid-inspired sculpture took its final shape in front of media and invited guests during a live glassblowing session.

Just a few days later, on 12 September 2025, the finished piece was presented at the FIND – Global Summit at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. The panel featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Dana Baschová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Singapore, Radomil Doležal, Director General of Czech Trade Promotion Agency, Carl Constantin Press, Event Director of dmg events / FIND, and Dr. Jana Leong-Škorničková.

During the session, both artists shared their story and reflections on the collaboration. A special moment followed when they presented the final orchid blooms to Mr. and Mrs. Mukherjee, supporters of the project, who joined them on stage for the ceremonial placement of the last pieces to complete the sculpture.

A Celebration of Cooperation and Creativity

The glass orchid sculpture was subsequently displayed at the Czech Pavilion at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025, where it stood out as a celebration of Czech and Singaporean creativity and as a reminder of how deisgn, art and craftsmanship can bridge cultures and enrich mutual relations.

This project was realized with the support of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Singapore, Czech Trade Promotion Agency, Universal Success Enterprises Limited, and dmg events.