Three artists of different generations and different orientations are connected by a new exhibition in the Imperial Stables of Prague Castle called The Heart is a Temple. The works of graphic artist Alena Kučerová, photographer Ivan Pinkava and sculptor Kateřina Komm reflect human experience and experience and work, for example, with the motif of memory in visual art, according to the organizers. According to them, the central theme is “man naked in his destiny”.
The show, which includes works from state and private collections, will run until March 16 next year. ”With the great help of Ivan Pinkava, we tried to put the things that are selected in the exhibition together in such a way that they establish some kind of relationship with each other,” says curator Petr Vaňous. “It’s not about installation chronology, it’s more about creating some kind of environment that would summarize the idea in the title of the exhibition,” he adds.
According to Veronika Wolf, cultural and program director of Prague Castle, intergenerational dialog is important in art and society. ”We want the Prague Castle to receive space for both classical, time-proven art, as well as contemporary art,” he declares.
The oldest represented artist is graphic artist Alena Kučerová, who will celebrate her 90th birthday next year. He transforms the banality of everyday existence into vital and melancholic studies of memory traces. Her metal matrices and graphic sheets remind of returning time and visited places. They are a gesture of personal connection with moments of joyful and distressing experiences, the organizers say.
The second artist represented is the internationally renowned photographer, 63-year-old Ivan Pinkava, who sensitively examines man as a contradictory being moving between hope and doom. For him, symbols, objects and human gestures refer to archetypes and the unchanging nature of the questioning of the meaning of being.
The selection is completed by the works of the forty-three-year-old sculptor Kateřina Komm. Monumental and smaller works “actualize the feminine principle in relation to the emancipation process, physicality, motherhood, responsibility and faith”, according to the organizers. In this artist, they appreciate the interweaving of linear time with cyclical returns, which “views man as part of a naturally renewing world that is becoming alienated by civilization.”
The administration of the Prague Castle is preparing guided tours and thematic lectures for the exhibition, for example, on February 1, the movement artist Eliška Brtnická will perform in Slévárenské dvor.
How does intergenerational dialog enhance the understanding of contemporary art?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to our interview today! We’re privileged to have with us Petr Vaňous, the curator of the captivating exhibition “The Heart is a Temple,” currently showcased in the Imperial Stables of Prague Castle. Petr, thank you for joining us.
Petr Vaňous (PV): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: This exhibition features three artists from different generations—Alena Kučerová, Ivan Pinkava, and Kateřina Komm. Can you tell us how their diverse backgrounds contribute to the central theme of “man naked in his destiny”?
PV: Absolutely! Each artist brings a unique perspective that enriches the theme. Alena’s graphic work explores memory and emotional landscapes, while Ivan’s photographs reflect on human experiences with a certain intimacy. Kateřina’s sculptures provide a tactile connection to the concept of vulnerability. Together, they create a dialog that emphasizes our shared human experience amid individual paths.
TNE: Sounds fascinating! You mentioned the term “intergenerational dialog.” Why do you think this is significant in the context of art and society today?
PV: Intergenerational dialog is crucial because art is a reflection of society at large. When different generations converse through their work, we bridge gaps in understanding and mindset. It cultivates a richer cultural narrative and helps younger and older audiences see the continuity of human experience. We want visitors to reflect on how different lives and histories shape our present and future.
TNE: The exhibition is intended to create relationships between the artworks rather than focusing solely on chronology. How does that influence the visitor’s experience?
PV: By establishing relationships among the pieces, we create an atmosphere where visitors can draw personal connections and insights. It’s less about a linear progression and more about emotional resonance and thematic exploration. Each work interacts with the others, prompting viewers to ponder their own place within those themes of memory, vulnerability, and human destiny, which can lead to profound realizations.
TNE: That’s a beautiful approach. The exhibition will be running until March 16 next year. What can visitors expect in terms of the thematic development as they navigate through it?
PV: Visitors can expect to embark on a journey through various visual interpretations of human experience. They’ll encounter contrasts and harmonies—soft and strong, intimate and expansive. The layout will allow them to reflect on their own experiences as they move from one artwork to another, hopefully leaving them with a greater understanding of their own ‘nakedness’ in life’s journey.
TNE: That sounds deeply moving. What are some challenges you faced in curating an exhibition that strives for such emotional depth?
PV: One of the main challenges is ensuring that the pieces selected resonate with each other while maintaining their individuality. The paradox of showcasing distinct voices while promoting a unified theme is delicate. Additionally, balancing the representation of different interpretations of our central theme required careful consideration. It made the process both challenging and rewarding.
TNE: I can imagine! can you share what you hope visitors take away from “The Heart is a Temple”?
PV: I hope visitors leave with a renewed sense of empathy and connection. Art can be a mirror that reflects our inner selves, and I want people to feel understood and seen through these works. Ultimately, I wish for them to reevaluate their own narratives within the broader human experience.
TNE: Thank you, Petr. I think that is a powerful takeaway, and I encourage everyone to visit “The Heart is a Temple” at Prague Castle. It seems like a truly meaningful experience.
PV: Thank you! I look forward to welcoming everyone to the exhibition.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, Petr. It’s been a pleasure!