Exhibit dedicated to Czech surrealist Jan Švankmajer opens in Prague

Galerie 1 in the city center is now showcasing paintings and sculptures from the surrealist filmmaker and his son Václav.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 04.02.2024 16:07:00 (updated on 05.02.2024) Reading time: 2 minutes

The work of one of the Czech Republic's most renowned filmmakers and animators is now on display in Prague. Galerie 1 in Prague's city center is now hosting an exhibition featuring the distinct artistic talents of both Jan Švankmajer and his son, Václav Švankmajer.

The unique opportunity, presented to the public for free, allows visitors to delve into the imaginative worlds created by these two personalities. Renáta Mužíková, the curator of the project, shared her enthusiasm for the the exhibition and the distinctiveness of each artist's work.

"This is my dream come true because I can't imagine a higher curatorial goal than creating an exhibition for the living legend that is Jan Švankmajer," Mužíková states through a press release. "Few Czech creators are internationally recognized like him."

"The connection with his son, a talented painter, is truly unique. It's essential to emphasize that Václav's work stands out in its own right, with a uniqueness that diverges from his father's style."

The exhibition not only showcases the significant talent within the Švankmajer family but also provides a clear separation of each artist's work within the gallery space. This enables visitors to focus distinctly on the individual expressions of each artist.

"When I was little, I admired the work of Jan Švankmajer, I was fascinated by his ghostly fairy tales and stories, and I even made my own exhibition at home at that time," Mužíková adds. "I had no idea that I would be able to offer the visitors of Galerie 1 this unique project, an exhibition which you can visit until February 24, 2024." 

As Jan Švankmajer approaches his 90th birthday this year, the exhibition serves as an early celebration, presenting not just a selection of works but a showcase of their current creations. The inclusion of new elements like fractures and mineralogy in Jan's work adds an extra layer of intrigue. Václav's fascinating paintings contribute to the overall exhibition.

Galerie 1 is located a short distance from Wenceslas Square, on the corner of Štěpánská and V Jámě streets. It focuses on the presentation of young artists and tries to bring art closer to people outside of the typical art world.

You can see the Švankmajer exhibit at Galerie 1 for free through February 24 on Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.

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