KUPKA | TOYEN | MUCHA | 6. 11. 24 —19. 1. 25
Three greats: KUPKA – TOYEN – MUCHA
We welcome you to the exhibition of three important Czech painters. We have prepared for you a selection of graphic sheets from representatives of the Art Nouveau style and the artistic movements of abstract art and surrealism, which are united by several facts - they were born in the Czech Republic, lived a large part of their lives in France and with their work they made a significant and indelible mark on the history of Czech and world fine art at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the first part of our Gallery, we will introduce you to the work of the painter, graphic artist, illustrator and one of the founders of modern abstract painting, František Kupka (1871–1957). Although in the 1920s Kupka devoted himself to abstract, or rather non-figurative, depiction, in the late 1920s he created several works in which elements of mechanical mechanics, various machines and devices appear. In addition to his own machine systems, he was interested in movement – mechanical, repetitive movement is completely different from the way animals or humans move.
The central part of the Gallery is dedicated to the unique artist known as Toyen (1902–1980) – a painter, graphic artist and the most important figure of the Czech avant-garde and surrealism. Her friendship with poets and writers such as André Breton, Jindřich Heisler and others played a crucial role in her diverse work. The artistic style of this artist has a unique character, full of symbolic meanings, captivating imagination, surrealism, Freudianism and other formative elements. Her personality and work arouse attention, recognition and curiosity.
Toyen's poetic or surrealist paintings will draw you into the dreamy worlds of the deep soul. Together with the painter Jindřich Štyrský, she was a member of the Devětsil art association, which included, among others, Vítězslav Nezval, Karel Teige and Jaroslav Seifert, who is also credited with the authorship of her artistic pseudonym.
In the back of our Gallery you can see the works of the Czech painter, graphic artist and designer of the Art Nouveau period Alfons Mucha (1860–1939). The works of art you will see in this section are characterized by a unique aesthetic charm. Beautiful women with rich decorative details in the background convey a clear and universal message – a celebration of beauty.
Mucha's distinctive graphic style (the Mucha style) was intended to captivate the viewer while also presenting a visual language as a means of communication. As part of his strategy, he used the so-called golden ratio, i.e. the ratio between format and composition (2:3 or 3:2), harmonious color contrast, contradictory forms, and ornamental elements such as halos and arches.
We wish you a wonderful artistic experience, which you can enhance by enjoying our exhibition with a glass of good wine, coffee or tea.
