KodlContemporary was approached some time ago by Ivana Gottová, who sought our assistance in selecting an artist to create a remarkable tribute to her late husband, Karel Gott. Fans and admirers had brought countless cherub statues to Karel’s grave, each representing the deep affection felt for him across generations. We knew immediately who could bring this vision to life: Rony Plesl, a celebrated Czech glass artist and sculptor known for his poignant interpretations of memory and time.

On November 1st, at the Malvazinky Cemetery in Prague, this unique artwork was unveiled. Reflecting on the idea, Ivana shared, “For a long time, I wondered what could be done with Karel’s angels. Supporters had traveled, often from afar, bringing these personal tokens to the cemetery. It occurred to me they might wonder why their angel was no longer at his grave. The thought of uniting these figures into a single sculpture and returning them to their rightful place felt both beautiful and dignified.” She turned to KodlContemporary for guidance, and we immediately recommended Rony Plesl.

“Initially, I hesitated,” Plesl admitted, “not because of Karel—my respect for him was absolute—but due to the challenge of transforming these fan-given figures into art without veering into kitsch.” For Plesl, the themes of time and impermanence have long inspired his work. Trees, especially, hold special meaning for him as symbols of life, death, and memory. He envisioned a bronze tree adorned with hundreds of angels, each representing a memory, growing like leaves or budding like new blossoms.

Ivana didn’t have a precise vision for the piece but wanted something timeless that would honor Karel’s memory and his fans’ loyalty. Collaborating with landscape architect Vladimír Dufek, Plesl conceived of integrating this “angelic tree” with a real birch—a nod to Karel’s song “Who’s Undressing You, White Birch?” Over time, this birch tree will grow alongside the bronze, symbolizing a living tribute.

The result is a powerful, poetic homage: a tree embodying the love and memories of Karel’s admirers, destined to grow and endure through the years.