Prague
Completed

Czech Imaginative Art Exhibition: Exploring Decades of Visionary Czech Artistry

This exhibition presented 344 works by 56 artists, rooted in František Šmejkal's influential art theory essays.

The 'Czech Imaginative Art' exhibition offered a comprehensive look into post-war Czech artistic expression. It showcased 344 unique works from 56 diverse artists, drawing inspiration from František Šmejkal's significant anthology of essays. These texts, covering 1960 to 1988, provided a critical framework for understanding the era's visual arts and cultural dialogues.

About Czech Imaginative Art at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Czech Imaginative Art at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Exhibition summary

This exhibition, presented from June 19 to September 14, 1997, showcased 344 works by 56 artists. It was based on an anthology of essays by art theorist František Šmejkal, exploring Czech art from 1960 to 1988, featuring both published and unpublished texts.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Czech Imaginative Art' was a significant presentation held from June 19 to September 14, 1997. It drew its foundation from a book compiled with support from the Open Society Institute, featuring an anthology of essays by art theorist František Šmejkal. These texts, written between 1960 and 1988, included both published and previously unpublished writings discovered in Šmejkal's inheritance. The exhibition itself comprised a substantial collection of 344 works by 56 distinct artists, offering a comprehensive look into the imaginative landscape of Czech art during the latter half of the 20th century. The curation aimed to reflect the depth and breadth of artistic expression documented in Šmejkal's critical writings, bringing to life the period's artistic dialogues and developments through a diverse range of artworks.

Admission and ticket notes

Admission to the exhibition was voluntary. Last entry was strictly 30 minutes before closing time. The provided text includes general visitor information regarding closing times and last entry, but not specific pricing or booking details for this past exhibition, other than stating admission was voluntary.

Czech Imaginative Art key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Czech Imaginative Art at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Venue
Galerie Rudolfinum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Jun 19, 1997 – Sep 14, 1997
Artist line / attribution
Curated by Jana Šmejkalová, the exhibition featured 56 artists including Jakub Bauernfreud, Zdeněk Beran, Vladimír Boudník, František Bílek, Bedřich Dlouhý, Libor Fára, Emil Filla, František Gross, Karel Hlaváček, Adolf Hoffmeister, František Hudeček, Josef Istler, František Janoušek, Čestmír Janošek, Felix Jenewein, Čestmír Kafka, Eva Kmentová, Jan Koblasa, František Kobliha, Jiří Kolář, Jan Konůpek, Rudolf Krajc, František Kupka, Bohdan Lacina, Kamil Lhoták, Vincenc Makovský, Karel Malich, Bohumír Matal, Mikuláš Medek, František Muzika, Endre Nemes, Karel Nepraš, Ladislav Novák, Jaroslav Panuška, Robert Piesen, Jan Preisler, Zbyněk Sekal, Zbyšek Sion, Zdeněk Sklenář, Bedřich Stefan, Vladimír Sychra, Ladislav Šaloun, Josef Šíma, Jindřich Štyrský, Václav Tikal, Toyen (Marie Čermínová), Jiří Valenta, Aleš Veselý, František Vobecký, Jaroslav Vožniak, Josef Váchal, Alois Wachsman, Josef Wagner, Hana Wichterlová, Jan Zrzavý, and Ladislav Zívr.
More from Galerie Rudolfinum
Explore additional exhibitions from the same institution
Review other exhibitions from Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague to compare themes, timelines, and program direction while planning your museum visit.
The Last Painting Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum Prague
From Dec 18, 1997

The Last Painting Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum Prague

Exploring the 1997 revival of traditional Czech painting.

Delve into a key historical exhibition from Prague’s contemporary art archive. Learn how emerging Czech artists challenged the boundaries of the traditional medium through conceptual painting.

Exhibition Overview
Faces and Bodies of the Middle Kingdom Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum
From Mar 13, 1997

Faces and Bodies of the Middle Kingdom Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum

A landmark showcase of 1990s Chinese avant-garde art.

Explore a collection of eighty-seven works focusing on portraiture and figurative representation. Created by nineteen prominent artists, this display highlights the creative forces of the 1990s avant-garde movement.

View Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of the Decadence International Art Exhibition, featuring purple-hued gallery space with silhouetted visitors viewing provocative artworks on the walls.

Decadence Now! Visions of Excess: Contemporary Art Exhibition at Rudolfinum Gallery

Explore boundary-pushing art addressing excess, alienation, and taboo themes.

Explore 'Decadence Now! Visions of Excess,' an international exhibition examining decadence in contemporary art. Discover works by artists like Jeff Koons and Cindy Sherman, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms through provocative themes. This project fosters crucial discussions on significant cultural topics.

View Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of an art gallery exhibition featuring Martin Mainer's recent works on nature and the forest, with visitors viewing paintings in a purple-hued space.
From Oct 8, 1999

Martin Mainer: Trailer of the Forest of Forests Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum

A survey of contemporary Czech painting from a significant artist.

Delve into the artistry of Martin Mainer through his 'Trailer of the Forest of Forests' exhibition. This collection at Galerie Rudolfinum highlights works from 1998–1999 by the acclaimed Czech painter.

Mainer Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a contemporary Chinese photography exhibition titled 'A Strange Heaven' with visitors viewing artworks in a gallery space with purple lighting and banners.
From Sep 4, 2003

A Strange Heaven: Discover Contemporary Chinese Photography and Visual Arts

Features over 200 photographic works by 40+ artists from the 1990s.

This exhibition explored contemporary Chinese photography, showcasing its emergence as a distinct art discipline. It provided a broad perspective on the nation's artistic potential through numerous works.

A Strange Heaven Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a gallery space with visitors viewing vibrant abstract paintings in purple, blue, and orange tones on white walls.
From Oct 5, 2006

ACNE: Discover Czech Painting from the Richard Adam Collection at Rudolfinum Gallery

A comprehensive survey of post-1980s contemporary art and diverse artistic styles.

This exhibition surveys influential Czech painting from the mid-1980s onward, drawn from a major private collection. It features works by various artistic generations and movements, including abstract and realist styles. Delve into key developments in contemporary art.

ACNE Exhibition
Prague

Find Current Exhibitions in Prague: Your Guide to Museum Shows

Explore Prague's vibrant art and history through diverse museum exhibitions.

Easily discover what's on display in Prague's museums and cultural institutions. Explore compelling temporary exhibitions covering a wide array of fascinating topics, from historical periods to modern artistic movements.