Artist and illustrator Kornelie Němečková passed away last Friday at the age of 92. She was the author of the visual side of the jingle of the TV show Zpívánky, which introduced children to folk songs, customs and traditions.The jingle featured the central motif of a red doll in costume, on whose hand a bird sits.Němečková was the author of this paper cutout.
Němečková’s work was mainly characterized by cut-out graphics, collages or works created with the aradecor technique, using non-woven textiles.
Kornelie Němečková was born in 1932 in Vsetín, but lived in Prague for more than 70 years. After the war,she studied first at the social health school,then at the Secondary School of arts and Crafts in Gottwaldov,today’s Zlín,in the field of modeling and shoe design. There she also met her future husband, the sculptor Zdenek Němeček. They got married while still studying.
Though, Němečková did not last long with shoes. Her love for folklore led her to work with children in art circles,fashion design and free creativity. The native of Vsetín followed the tradition of the folk art of Wallachia and Slovakia all her life,which inspired her original art work. The tapestries,textile collages and cut-out graphics she created decorate the interiors of many public institutions and are found in private collections in Europe,Asia,Australia and North America.
Animated films were also part of Němečková’s work. She illustrated books, magazines, posters or record covers. In the 1980s, it also won an award for issuing postage stamps. Most recently, at the beginning of this year, her work was commemorated by an exhibition in the Slovak Museum in Uhersko-Hradiště.
Video: The ringtone of the show Zpívánky
Němečková was the author of the visual page of the opening jingle of the TV show zpívánky. | Video: Youtube.com/Time Machine
What artistic techniques did Kornelie Němečková innovate too represent folklore in her work?
Interview: Honoring Kornelie Němečková – A Titan of Folklore Art
Editor: today, we have the privilege of speaking with art historian and cultural expert, Dr. Eva Horáková, to reflect on the remarkable career of artist and illustrator Kornelie Němečková, who recently passed away at the age of 92. Dr. Horáková, thank you for joining us to discuss the important contributions of this iconic figure in the realm of visual arts and folklore.
Q: Kornelie Němečková was known for her unique artistic style. Can you elaborate on the techniques she employed and how they influenced her work?
A: Thank you for having me. Němečková was a pioneer in cut-out graphics and collages, which allowed her to create intricate designs that resonated with the themes of folklore. Her use of the aradecor technique, which involves non-woven textiles, gave her artworks a distinctive texture that set them apart from her contemporaries. This innovation not only showcased her technical skill but also enriched the visual storytelling inherent in her pieces.
Q: Her work on the TV show Zpívánky is iconic among children’s programming. How did her art contribute to children’s understanding of folklore and culture?
A: Absolutely. The jingle of Zpívánky, featuring the captivating red doll adorned in traditional costume with a bird on its hand, served as a powerful gateway for children to engage with their cultural roots. By embedding folk songs and customs into a visual context, she made complex cultural narratives accessible to young audiences. Her art encouraged curiosity and appreciation for traditions that might otherwise have been overlooked, fostering a sense of identity and community among children.
Q: Can you discuss the impact of her work beyond television? What other mediums did她 explore throughout her career?
A: Certainly. While her television work was influential,Němečková’s artistry spanned several mediums,including illustrated books,magazines,posters,and even record covers. Her involvement in animated films and her award-winning postage stamps in the 1980s reflect her versatility and the broad appeal of her art. Moreover, her contributions adorn public institutions and private collections not just in Europe but across Asia, Australia, and North America, showcasing the universal language of her artistic expression.
Q: With such a deep connection to Wallachian and Slovak folklore, how did Němečková’s cultural background shape her artistic output?
A: Her roots in Vsetín, combined with her lifelong passion for folklore, were central to her creative identity. She dedicated her art to exploring and preserving the traditions of Eastern Europe,which informed her choice of themes and aesthetics. By following the rich heritage of her homeland, she not only celebrated her culture but also provided an critically important cultural bridge for future generations to understand and appreciate these traditions.
Q: As an artist who inspired many, what practical advice can aspiring artists glean from Kornelie Němečková’s legacy?
A: The key takeaway from Němečková’s career is the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.She remained true to her roots and let her cultural heritage guide her work. For emerging artists, I would advise them to explore their backgrounds and interests deeply, as this will enrich their creative endeavors. Additionally, versatility is crucial; embracing various mediums can lead to new opportunities and wider audiences. engaging with communities – especially younger generations – is vital in fostering cultural appreciation and continuity.
Q: As we remember her contributions,what lessons can we take forward in promoting cultural art forms in today’s world?
A: Promoting cultural art forms requires collaboration and advocacy. Artists,educators,and institutions must work together to create platforms where traditional arts can be celebrated and taught. We must also leverage technology to reach a wider audience, as seen with digital exhibitions and online workshops. By engaging communities in a dialog about the importance of folklore, and by offering accessible resources, we can ensure that the legacies of artists like Kornelie Němečková endure and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Horáková,for providing us with such insightful reflections on Kornelie Němečková’s enduring impact on art and culture. Her legacy will surely inspire both artists and audiences for generations to come.