Prague-based branding agency, Firefly Branding (www.fireflybranding.com), focused on brand and corporate identity, prepared a unique exhibition “Connecting Prague - Seoul” by presenting the branding design work of Korean graphic designer Shin Jiwon and Czech glass designer and sculptor Rony Plesl (www.ronyplesl.com). The exhibition was officially opened by Michael Wellner Pospíšil, Director General of Czech Centers, a global network of Czech cultural and information centers, and Jaroslav Olša, jr., Ambassador of the Czech Republic on May 18, 2010 at Czech Info Center (www.czechinfo.or.kr).

Born in Republic of Korea, Shin Jiwon started her career in Seoul where she led the Samsung corporate identity creation from its initial creative phase through to its final system development. In 1994, she moved to New York City where she worked for several prominent companies, focusing on the creation of corporate and brand identity. In 2001, she joined FutureBrand as a Creative Director, and three years later, she established her own company, Firefly Branding. Brands developed by Shin Jiwon for Korean, US and Czech companies, such as Samsung, UPS, Marriott, Nautica, Voom, Long Island Children’s Museum, Eta, Halada City, Seddons, Eventival or Prague Writers Festival are shown at the exhibition, the opening of which was attended by her as well.

Rony Plesl is currently ranked among the most successful and famous Czech glass artists and designers. He is a part of a new generation of Czech artists who are reinterpreting traditional techniques to produce modern design. He works with a number of significant glassworks and glass producers in the Czech Republic and abroad with Murano – Barovier & Toso, Denizli by Pasabahce, Preciosa, Moser, Jablonex, Sahm and others. Combining Czech glass technique and the Korean tradition of drinking soju, Rony Plesl has created a special set exclusively for Firefly Branding called “Firefly Set” which consists of a carafe and four glasses. Unique pieces of famous uranium vases, glasses and the exclusive “Firefly Set” will showcase Rony at the exhibition.

A special animation produced by Firefly Branding with music composed by Mark Ludwig and Richard Sebring of Turquoise Bee Productions, is also shown as part of the exhibition, which is to be open till June 19, 2010.