Kuščynskyj, Saudek and Tesař provide a perspective on the female nude from the 1960s to the present day. The multi-genre Czech Photo Centre is showcasing three photographers renowned at home and internationally through their provocative work from 14 June. Women represent the central theme of these works by Taras Kuščynskyj, Jan Saudek and Antonín Tesař.
The Provocateurs exhibition encompasses pictures from three generations of modern Czech photographers. While the enfant terrible of the domestic scene in the 1960s and 70s was Taras Kuščynskyj, this role was later taken on by Jan Saudek. Representing the provocateurs of today at the Czech Photo Centre is Antonín Tesař’s work. The exhibition’s curator is Daniela Mrázková.
“This summer will be about three bold figures who will demonstrate how the perspective on the female nude has changed over the years. Each of the photographers has brought their own approach to female eroticism, shaping their own unique style, and sense of life. We are pleased to be able in this way to rank alongside renowned galleries abroad who have also included their works in their exhibition programmes,” says Veronika Souralová, Czech Photo Centre Director.
Taras Kuščynskyj (1932 – 1983) was able to masterfully bring female beauty and eroticism together with his psychological portraits of women. During communist totality, his nudes which appeared a part of the wild, were revelatory. They were symbols of human liberation. Despite official discouragement, his work slowly began to grace the pages of magazines, posters, calendars and record covers. Besides in Czechoslovakia, Kuščynskyj also held exhibitions in Holland, Austria and Japan.
Jan Saudek (1935) is the most controversial figure in Czech photography, so much so that he was unable to make a living as an artist for many years. The most frequent subject of the lens of this holder of the French Order of Arts and Literature and the domestic Artis Bohemiae Amicus award is the female and the relationship between man and woman. Besides in the Czech Republic, Saudek has also held exhibitions in the Museum of Modern Art in Paris amongst other venues.
Antonín Tesař (1963), who like Kuščynskyj and Saudek focuses on nude photography, flirts with decadent notions of love and death. In so doing, he touches on subconscious forms of anxiety and madness, making reference to pop culture and its devaluation of traditional ethics and aesthetics, and the mass adoration of sex. He has held exhibitions domestically since 1991, and his photos are also often seen in Germany where a number of exhibitions have taken place of his work since 2007.
The Provocateurs exhibition will be held in the Czech Photo Centre until 8 August. Tickets to the exhibition will cost 50 CZK, or 30 CZK for reduced tickets. The Czech Photo Centre is open every day except Monday, from Tuesday to Friday always from 11.00am until 6.00pm, and at weekends from 10.00am until 6.00pm. Czech Photo Centre - Nové Butovice /wheelchair access/ - exit the metro heading towards Poliklinika Lípa, Seydlerova 4
Source of photography: Czech Photo Centre
Contacts and further information:
Public relations - Radek Polák tel.: +420 778 747 113, polak@czechpressphoto.cz, www.czechphotocentre.cz.
