50 Masterpieces of Czech Cubism: The collections of the Gallery of West Bohemia in Pilsen

Czech Cubism is a significant contribution to world culture, with artists such as Emil Filla, Bohumil Kubišta, Otto Gutfreund, and Pavel Janák being among the most exciting practitioners of Cubism anywhere in the world. The Gallery of West Bohemia is home to one of the most important collections of Czech Cubist art, which has played a vital role in rehabilitating the avant-garde in a country where modernist art had suffered decades of political repression. This book introduces some of the finest works of Czech Cubism to an international audience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd

Czech Cubism stands as a significant and profound contribution to global art, with its origins spanning approximately from 1910 to 1935. This artistic movement encompassed a wide range of mediums, including painting, drawing, graphic art, collage, sculpture, architecture, and applied art. Among the most influential figures in Czech Cubism were painters Emil Filla and Bohumil Kubišta, sculptor Otto Gutfreund, and architect Pavel Janák. These visionary artists were recognized as some of the most exciting practitioners of Cubism worldwide.

The Gallery of West Bohemia houses one of the most remarkable collections of Czech Cubist art, meticulously assembled since the early 1960s. These artworks have played a pivotal role in revitalizing the avant-garde in a country where modernist art had endured decades of political repression. As a result, the collections of the Gallery of West Bohemia have been instrumental in fostering the revival of the domestic art scene in Bohemia and beyond, while also continuing to inspire contemporary Czech artists.

To present some of the finest works of Czech Cubism to an international audience, Gallery Director Roman Musil and his dedicated team have compiled this captivating book. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the artistic landscape, providing a deep insight into the creative processes and visionary ideas that defined this influential movement.

Through its pages, readers are invited to witness the evolution of Czech Cubism, from its early experimental stages to its mature and sophisticated expressions. The artworks showcased in this book are a testament to the talent and creativity of Czech artists, who pushed the boundaries of artistic expression and challenged conventional notions of form and perspective.

Czech Cubism emerged as a response to the social and political changes that were sweeping Europe during the early 20th century. The movement sought to break free from the constraints of traditional art forms and explore new ways of representing the world. Cubism was characterized by the fragmentation and deconstruction of objects, the use of multiple perspectives, and the incorporation of abstract elements into the composition.

One of the defining features of Czech Cubism was its emphasis on the individual artist's expression. The artists of this movement were encouraged to explore their own personal experiences and emotions, and to incorporate them into their work. This led to a rich and diverse range of styles and approaches, with each artist bringing their unique perspective to the table.

Another notable aspect of Czech Cubism was its influence on other artistic movements. The movement's innovative techniques and bold compositions paved the way for subsequent art movements, such as Futurism, Suprematism, and Constructivism. Czech Cubism also played a significant role in shaping the visual language of cinema and advertising, with its emphasis on visual storytelling and the use of abstract imagery.

In conclusion, Czech Cubism is a remarkable and influential artistic movement that has left a lasting impact on global art. The contributions of Czech artists, such as Emil Filla, Bohumil Kubišta, Otto Gutfreund, and Pavel Janák, have helped to shape the course of art history and continue to inspire contemporary artists. The Gallery of West Bohemia's collection of Czech Cubist art is a testament to the movement's enduring legacy and its profound influence on the art world.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 166 x 189 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785513411