Jan Zrzavý: works of the legendary Czech artist in the Museum Kampa (until 1.7.2018)
Because it is an exhibition that consists of the borrowed works of the owners, enthusiasts of Jan Zrzavý's work, luxurious pieces can be found here that have never before been seen in museum spaces. You will enjoy the other gems that this maestro created.
"A professional painter imitates life, the artist creates it." Jan Zrzavý
How would one describe the exhibition?
The exhibition focuses on the four most important areas of the author's amazing work. Early, joyful, expressive and sometimes erotic drawings around the World War I period are replaced by stylized predominantly female figures and impress with their psychological content. Religious motifs with extraordinary intensity also appear, such as the faces of smiling angels, Christ and John the Baptist, radiating powerful charismatic mystery.
Color is a psychical force, it is a visible soul." Jan Zrzavý
We were most intrigued by the theme of ships and seas. The painter seemed to scatter the ships across the canvas, they resembled apples strewn across a table, randomly, without people. As if the story is over and he caught its last moment. The paintings have wonderful colors and sophistication. We must also highlight his wonderful landscapes, often painted from memory, experiences or dreams. Last but not least, we also like his portraits.
Everything is thought-out and systematically depicted. A luxury artist of the night.
The most successful paintings by Jan Zrzavý are surprisingly not spontaneous; on the contrary, he composed them very carefully. He painted mostly at night. He did not need to have daylight and the motif in front of him, he was not a realistic painter, he worked from memory and sketches. Each painting is preceded by a number of preparatory drawings as well as a final charcoal drawing usually of the same size.
"The paintings of Jan Zrzavý are enchanted dreams in mysterious crystals," publicist Karel Teige wrote in 1923.
Jan Zrzavý based his work on the symbolism of the beginning of the twentieth century. After avant-garde beginnings, we can best associate him with artists preferring neoclassicism, new objectivity, magical realism, and we can also speak about metaphysical painting in connection with his work.
