- 2026 Silver Prize
- From Kitchen Products
MOMENTO SOSPESO – Zensai artistic glass set by Maria Kostrzak
Project Description
“Momento Sospeso” is a project about pausing in the flow of time.
About the brief moment between one word and the next.
About holding on to the present a little longer than we usually allow.
Maria Kostrzak creates objects that bring people together. Her works invite us to gather around the table, to share food, to speak and to listen. They slow the everyday rhythm and draw attention back to what is essential: connection, presence and the experience of being with one another. “Momento Sospeso” gives this intention a tangible form, encouraging us to notice the moment shared across the table.
The platters appear to hover lightly above the surface, reflecting the idea of a moment suspended. The upper part is formed in a kiln using the fusing technique, where glass softens and settles into a gentle, organic shape. The lower part is hand blown and produced in two variants, clear or with air bubbles enclosed inside the glass. Together, they create a single sculptural object, refined in form yet intended for use, suitable for serving small dishes and shared food.
A meal becomes a space for joy, voices and exchange. The table becomes a place to remain together, to build relationships and to celebrate everyday closeness.
“Momento Sospeso” arises from this understanding of time spent with family and friends. It invites us to slow down and focus on the present moment on taste, art, design and on the person beside us.
“Momento Sospeso” slows time gently
and enriches the moment we share.
Maria Kostrzak is a young artist and designer whose work spans graphic art, collage and sculptural glass objects. During her studies, she created a dedicated collection of graphics and collages for the prestigious MGallery Rezydent Sopot Hotel, gaining recognition from both audiences and industry professionals.
As part of a design team, she has participated in international design exhibitions in Milan, New York and Dubai, experiences that continue to inform her artistic practice. Her work combines diverse techniques and visual languages, defined by a sense of lightness, sensitivity and attention to detail.
In 2022, she was a finalist of the prestigious Darc Awards in London with the Cumulonimbus lamp, and in 2024 she reached the finals again with the MaBaMa lamp.
Kostrzak designs and creates functional glass objects for hospitality spaces and private clients, including sculptural platters and glass napkin rings. These works were recognized as a highlight of the exhibition "Uskrzydlone Pokolenia" at House of Diamond, Norblin Factory, Warsaw (2025), leading to appearances in Polish television and radio.
In November 2025, by invitation of the Isola Design collective, she presented her work during Dubai Design Week at Sevil Dolmacı Gallery in Dubai Design District.
In 2026, her project MOMENTO SOSPESO is presented at Isola Design Gallery during Milan Design Week, further expanding her presence on the international design scene.
Her practice includes both graphic works and hand-crafted glass objects created using the fusing technique, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that exist between art and design.
She is currently a member of the design team at Baranska Design.
