"The principles of true art is not to portray, but to evoke." Jerzy Kosinski

I spoke in my last post of the beautiful Spring weather, well unfortunately Prague has been uncharacteristically experiencing much rain over the last few days. With the rain well and truly set-in over the weekend, I decided to embark on my first art gallery experience - the Narodni Galerie v Praze (National Prague Gallery). Located in the Veletrzni Palac (Trade Palace) near Holesovice, the functionalist building was constructed in 1925-1929 and originally used for trade purposes. It was destroyed by fire in 1974 and since its reconstruction in 1995 it has housed the National Gallery's Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art.


My initial impression of the Veletrzni Palac was that it was nothing special, a large rectangular-shaped grey building that was far from spectacular. But as soon as I walked into the building such thoughts were immediately forgotten. The layout of the building was extremely impressive. Picture a fresh and modern interior, with multiple levels of floors displaying brightly lit art work. On the ground floor you were met with an evoking display of contemporary art, before being directed to a glass lift (yes even the bottom - I tried not to look down!) where you began your viewing experience from the top level.

Entrance to Narodni Galerie

Interior of Narodni Galerie

The gallery displayed a vast array of world-class international artists, including the likes of Rousseau, Picasso, Van Gogh, Braque and Monet. However it was the calibre of the Czech artists that pleasantly surprised me the most. Below are just some whose works I found to be most evoking.


Alphonse (Alfons) Mucha (1860-1939)


Perhaps the most well-known Czech artist, Mucha is famous for pioneering the Art Nouveau movement. His most recognisable works feature attractive, young women in flowing robes and often surrounded by blossoming flowers. Born in Ivancice, Moravia, he moved to Paris fairly early on in his career, where he produced many paintings, posters, advertisements and book illustrations, as well as designs for jewellery, carpets, wallpaper, and theatre sets in what was originally called the Mucha Style.

František Kupka (1871-1957)


Born in Opočno, Bohemia, Kupka was a pioneer and co-founder of the early phases of abstract art movement and orphic cubism (orphism). His works were initially inspired by realism, but later evolved into pure abstract art. Kupka lived and worked in Paris as an illustrator of books and posters, and developed his own color wheels, which are thought to have influenced other artists like Robert Delaunay.

Babylon

Jan Zrzavý (1890-1977)

Born in Okrouhlice, Bohemia, Zrzavý was a leading 20th century painter, graphic artist, and illustrator. Largely involved in the modernist movement, his works were inspired by European medieval art and landscapes. After studying in Prague, he frequently visited Paris and Brittany, however always maintained a strong connection to his homeland.

Cleopatra 

Václav Špála (1885-1946)

A painter, graphic designer and illustrator, Špála's early work was influenced by Fauvism and later by Cubism. From 1923 he painted mainly landscapes and still-lives, and is considered one of the greatest Czech modern artists.

Way

Josef Čapek (1887-1945)

A multi-skilled artist, Čapek paintings were initially influenced by Cubism but later developed into his own playful, primitive style. Čapek collaborated with his brother Karel on a number of plays and short stories. He died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, where he wrote Poems from a Concentration Camp.

Harmonist

I hope you enjoyed viewing the works of these talented Czech artists and are perhaps inspired to see more!

Australian in Prague