Light Is Perhaps My Destiny

Answers to questions from SUITE magazine, October 2025.

You tell stories of light. How has light shaped your own story?

Light is probably my destiny. For years I told my students about Plato's allegory, and I carry the need to spread light with me to this day. I am very fortunate to be able to use light as a medium for spreading joy, and perhaps also some instruction, in the form of our light exhibitions and decorations. It is a beautiful responsibility, entrusted to me, to tell through light, every year, the story of our Christmas tree in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities, on the Old Town Square. Equally, it delights me to see the playfully Christmas-dressed trams that contribute to the pleasant pre-Christmas atmosphere of our capital. Today, thanks also to modern technology, we are discovering further dimensions of light, and we believe that we may open yet another figurative door to new stories. My need to extend education I can now fulfil in public space.

Today you operate in 11 countries and light up around 22 exhibitions in Europe. Which projects or exhibitions are you especially proud of?

All of them; it is truly very hard to choose, it is like with children. Each has its own story, setting and purpose, and after the effort invested one finds a way to each of them. But of course I am pleased by successful decoration of cities and shopping centres, and more and more, on this journey with light, we are approaching the aim of a certain stylistic purity, finer production and an ever greater passage from industrial design product into art. This year's exhibition about Europe, inspired by Greek myths, tells a story from ancient Greece to the present, represented by the architectural landmarks of Europe. We want to bring everyone a greater understanding, on a journey through Europe, of our shared values. At the same time we would like to pass this message on in other cities and places in Europe. We tell a truly extraordinary story at Gödöllő Palace, where Empress Sisi loved to stay. The extension of the story follows on from last year's very successful exhibition. Interesting novelties are our entry into Croatia and Switzerland. The captivating atmosphere of Trakošćan Castle invites a beautiful rendering, as do most of the other places, from Slovakia to France and from Croatia to Ireland.

When you stage exhibitions across different countries of Europe, do you not run into cultural differences or differing perceptions?

Of course there are different patterns or paradigms across Europe, as in every field. On the other hand, my experience is that people in general are far more capable of appreciating beauty than we tend to assume. Our style, with its certain simplicity, playfulness and substance, is quite sought after, which pleases us and encourages me in the direction I intend. Not to be afraid to deepen our purpose and to remain original. As in other fields, it is important to create competently with regard to function and with respect for the surroundings and nature, and to use aesthetic sensibility through cultivated execution.

Where do you draw inspiration for your ideas, and how do you rest, given your other activities, such as making podcasts and moderating?

Life itself is my inspiration; by nature I am a lyricist, and since childhood I have felt the need to write, to invent, to create. When you enjoy your work, it ceases to be a duty and becomes a joy. I like people, and I seek out interesting personalities from public life for my podcast V dobrém světle (In a Good Light), because, against the spirit of the usual news, I am convinced that seeing life and the world “in a good light” is not a weakness. I live quite socially, I go to the Prague Business Club, I occasionally moderate, and I generally enjoy organising cultural events. I do not go on holiday much; regular swimming and skiing are enough for me, and I love riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I also savour the precious moments with family and friends.

So do you still have any unfulfilled dream?

I am grateful for everything that life brings, and today I am ready to open yet another figurative door, behind which there may be still more, but one must have the courage to step in. One never knows behind which one an opportunity is waiting. Love and passion are also needed for everything; they drive a person on, and so, with a touch of exaggeration, I would still like to light up New York or step onto other continents.