Discover the Tibor Honty Social Photography 1935–1968 Exhibition in Prague

This exhibition at the Josef Sudek Gallery explores the social documentary photography of Tibor Honty, focusing on his work from 1935 to 1968. It delves into themes of social inequalities, poverty, and everyday life captured through his lens, including his documentation of makeshift housing, Vltava River life, and circus communities.

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague presents an exhibition dedicated to Tibor Honty (1907–1968), a significant figure in Czech photography, focusing on his social documentary work from 1935 to 1968. Honty's lens captured the stark realities of social inequalities, poverty, and the everyday lives of ordinary people during a turbulent period. His photographic journey began after secondary education and military service, leading him to the School of Applied Arts in Bratislava. He later worked as a retoucher and developed a profound interest in photography, with his life-long theme emerging in 1935: the sculpture 'Pomona' by Aristide Maillol, leading him to extensively photograph sculptural works. Concurrent with his sculptural photography, Honty dedicated himself to social documentary work. His photographs from the 1930s and early war years depict makeshift housing settlements, life along the Vltava River, and the vibrant yet often melancholy world of funfairs and circuses. He paid particular attention to children and the figures inhabiting circus caravans and shooting galleries, as well as their animal companions. These images, characterized by a "melancholic lyricism" as noted by Karel Teige, suggest influences from Italian Neorealism. Honty also assembled his photographs into extensive series, such as 'Circus Caravans' (1940–1958), 'From an Old Cemetery' (1942), and 'Old Jewish Cemetery' (1952). His later work included 'Civilist' shots of Prague's Libeň gasholder, stylistically akin to Miroslav Hák and the Skupina 42 artists. After fully pursuing photography from 1943, he became a member of the S.V.U. Mánes and a founding member of the photography department of the Union of Fine Artists. His final series, 'From My Trips in Quest of Gothic Sculpture in Slovakia' (1966–1967), reflects his return to his native region. The exhibition is dedicated to his collaborator and friend Jiří Mašín.

Admission is CZK 40 for a full ticket and CZK 20 for a concession ticket. Visitors can buy tickets for the Josef Sudek Gallery, which is operated by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. Specific details on how to purchase tickets are not provided beyond a 'BUY TICKET' prompt. Opening hours vary by season.