Operated by the Calgary Contemporary Arts Society

February 1 to February 29, 2008

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Roots and Sensibility

The Exhibition of 17 Czech Artists from Olomouc in Calgary
Painting, Graphic and Sculpture in an Intergenerational Dialogue

David Dvorský – To Be Loved, 2007; oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.Roots and Sensibility represents a core part of fine art in the Czech Lands today. These are pieces inspired by and created in, for the most part our region of Central Moravia with Olomouc, naturally, being its historical and cultural centre. Let this not distract us from the fact however, that despite the Union of Fine Art's (Unie výtvarných umělců Olomoucka) commitment to regional talent, it fulfils its role on an international level as well. With reference to our Almanac 'Quarto', you are not only acquainted with our union's members, but also our collaboration with projects creating a country spanning wealth.  Our group show in Calgary stems directly from the successful 'Images and Reflections: The Artists’ Circle of Calgary' show which took pride of place in our city of Olomouc, in the summer of 2007. The hive of artists’ activity shown by work in both groups gives fine evidence of creative collaboration drawn through a healthy relationship between the Artist's Circle of Calgary and Unie výtvarných umělců olomoucka (Olomouc's Union of Fine Arts). This warm bridge between Olomouc and Calgary is an inspirational example of cultural world trends bringing together gifts from all sides of the globe. Demand for mutual, creative cooperation is answered with the opening of doors to the growing supply of inventive minds and deeds. These minds are not solely confined to their local environment, but moreover they form a marriage of components reaching far outside to encompass a wide range of cultural influences. Nevertheless, the exchange of ideas from participants each possessing their own unique story composes a rich tapestry, which in Olomouc's case reflects its position deep within the centre of Europe, simultaneously joining hands with the outside world.

Jan Kanyza – Somewhere in Provence, 2007; acrylic on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.Reflecting on the name we have chosen for this show, Roots & Sensibility encompasses the emotions and impulses from our historical, cultural and spiritual background. These impulses and emotions are keenly reflected in the techniques, materials and subject matter used by the artists of Olomouc, displaying multi-layered themes drawn from inspirations both internal and external cultural worlds. More and more of our artists belong to not just one, but a number of lands. If mentioning examples among the exhibiting authors, the painter Jan Kanyza lives and works alternately in Prague and South France, and Jiří Hastík regularly operates both in Olomouc and Vienna (Austria), in addition to Michael Esson's work which is reflected through his Scottish childhood, with later studies in Guatemala, his pedagogical experience in Budapest (Hungary) and his new life with his Czech family in Olomouc. This spanning of cultural roots flows neatly with the spanning of generations, involving several decades of creative contributions. Ladislav Daňek's compilation of our artists’ résumés gives you an insight into their backgrounds and art contributions. From the “older” generatiZdeněk Kučera – Loop/Infinity, 1992; bronze. Image courtesy of the artist.on, there is Jan Římský (born 1929) and Zdeněk Kučera (1936), both sculptors/painters leaning on the fine European tradition of the geometrical abstraction with poetical and magical accents. The “middle-age” generation is represented by a number of reputable authors – among them is the expressive painter Petr Zlamal with his emotive colour harmonies and structural experiments; the sculptor Petr Kuba, professionally well-equipped by admirable figurative tin and bronze fusions; and the draughtsman Jaroslav Vacl that continuously offers his highly sensitive, labyrinthlike graphic textures. For the “rising” artists I’d like to make a mentiLenka Žampová-Kučerová – Untitled, 2006; oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist. on of two names at least: the photographer and graphic designer David Dusík, and the painter Josef Zlamal, who successfully carries forward all previous traditions of the old German-Moravian artistic family. However, not excluding all other authors, the entire exhibition will highlight the intensity of the mutual dialogue that draws attention to this continuity and reciprocal enrichment.

I am convinced that this show of our artists’ group is a fine chapter in sowing the seeds of further development between us and thereby giving fellow artists the stage to present further fine creations. I regard this exhibition in Calgary as the bonding of a healthy relationship between us inevitably setting down strong roots.

Marek Trizuljak
Exhibition Curator
Vice-Chairman of UVUO (Olomouc Union of Fine Arts)

David Dusik – The Way to Colour, 2007; photography. Image courtesy of the artist. Miroslava Trizuljaková– Gardens I, 2007; acrylic on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.
Petr Zlamal – Listen, 2006; oil and pigments on panel. Image courtesy of the artist. Marek Trizuljak – Head, 2007; mixed media on paper. Image courtesy of the artist.
Zdeněk Vacek – Puppet Players, 2007; oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist. Petr Kuba – Diana, n.d.; tin. Image courtesy of the artist.

List of Images (left to right, top to bottom):

  1. David Dvorský – To Be Loved, 2007; oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

  2. Jan Kanyza – Somewhere in Provence, 2007; acrylic on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

  3. Zdeněk Kučera – Loop/Infinity, 1992; bronze. Image courtesy of the artist.

  4. Lenka Žampová-Kučerová – Untitled, 2006; oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

  5. David Dusik – The Way to Colour, 2007; photography. Image courtesy of the artist.

  6. Miroslava Trizuljaková– Gardens I, 2007; acrylic on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

  7. Petr Zlamal – Listen, 2006; oil and pigments on panel. Image courtesy of the artist.

  8. Marek Trizuljak – Head, 2007; mixed media on paper. Image courtesy of the artist.

  9. Zdeněk Vacek – Puppet Players, 2007; oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

  10. Petr Kuba – Diana, n.d.; tin. Image courtesy of the artist.
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