A Tale of Two Artists: Max Švabinský and Helena Salichová Illuminate the Gong Gallery
The Gong Gallery in Ostrava is currently hosting a captivating exhibition titled Professor and Student, showcasing the works of two iconic Czech artists: Max Švabinský and his student, Helena Salichová. Running until April 27, 2025, this exhibition is a party of their artistic journeys, their contrasting perspectives, and their shared legacy in the Czech art scene.
Curated by Jan Světlík, Petr Pavliňák, and Zdenek Sklenár, the exhibition delves into the unique relationship between Švabinský, one of the most renowned painters and graphic artists of the 20th century, and Salichová, a trailblazing Silesian artist, writer, and ethnologist.
A Dialogue of Perspectives
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The exhibition is more than just a display of art; it’s a conversation. It juxtaposes the male and female views of women’s roles in the last century, offering a nuanced exploration of societal norms and artistic expression.
Salichová, whose 130th birth anniversary will be celebrated in April, was a pioneer in her own right.As the first woman from Silesia to study at the Academy of fine Arts in Prague, she carved out a unique artistic identity despite the conservative pedagogies of her time. “Until now, Salichová is a unique element of the domestic art scene,” said gallerist Jan Světlík. ”She was the first woman from Silesia to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. First in the studio of Vojtěch Hynais,later Max Švabinský. Despite the influence of good teachers, she found the artistic style her own, which we tried to emphasize by comparing it with Švabinský’s works.”
Her works, such as the Silesian Sibyl series, capture the lives of elderly women from Kyjovice and Polanka, while Budujeme Slezsko reflects the war-torn landscapes of Silesian towns and villages. these pieces not only highlight her social consciousness but also her ability to weave personal and societal narratives into her art.
Highlights of the Exhibition
Among the standout pieces is Salichová’s Shapes Hidden in Wood, a collection of 180 graphic pages created between 1960 and 1973. These woodcuts, processed with remarkable imagination, showcase her mastery of the medium.
Conversely, Švabinský’s contributions include works like Sidonia the Stunning, a portrait of his muse and patron of the arts, and the Paradise Sonata cycle, created during a personal crisis in the 1920s. These pieces reflect his technical brilliance and emotional depth, offering a stark contrast to Salichová’s more modern and socially charged works.
A Meeting of Minds
The paths of Švabinský and Salichová first crossed in 1919 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. Salichová’s journey was far from easy; she had to complete a six-month private study before being admitted to the second year under Švabinský’s guidance. Initially studying under Vojtěch Hynais, she focused on portraits and nudes but soon clashed with the conservative teaching methods of the time.Her protest piece, featuring chopped onions, salt, and yogurt, is a testament to her rebellious spirit and modern artistic vision.
After Hynais’s death in 1925, Švabinský took over the studio, marking a new chapter in Salichová’s artistic advancement. The exhibition captures this dynamic, showcasing not only their individual works but also the dialogue between their artistic philosophies.
A Celebration of Artistic Exploration
“The exhibition includes not only the different art worlds of Švabinský and Salichová, but also a dialogue between these two ideas. It is indeed proof of how different approaches and personal experiences contribute greatly to the Czech art scene. The exhibition is a story of artistic exploration, dialogue, and inspiration,” said Eva Kijonková, spokesperson for Dolní Vítkovice.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Exhibition Details | Information |
|——————————|———————————————————————————|
| Title | Professor and student: Max Švabinský and Helena Salichová |
| Location | Gong Gallery, Ostrava |
| Dates | January 7, 2025 – April 27, 2025 |
| Curators | Jan Světlík, Petr Pavliňák, Zdenek Sklenár |
| Highlighted Works | shapes Hidden in Wood (Salichová), Sidonia the Beautiful (Švabinský) |
| Themes | Gender perspectives, artistic exploration, societal narratives |
Why You should Visit
This exhibition is a must-see for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It offers a rare glimpse into the lives and works of two artists who shaped the Czech art scene in profound ways.Whether you’re drawn to Švabinský’s classical elegance or Salichová’s modern, socially conscious creations, Professor and Student promises an enriching experience.
Plan your visit to the Gong Gallery today and immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration of art, history, and inspiration.
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For more information, visit the official website of the Gong Gallery.
A Tale of Two Artists: Max Švabinský and Helena Salichová Illuminate the Gong Gallery
The Gong Gallery in Ostrava is currently hosting a captivating exhibition titled Professor and Student, showcasing the works of two iconic Czech artists: Max Švabinský and his student, Helena Salichová. Running until April 27, 2025, this exhibition is a celebration of their artistic journeys, their contrasting perspectives, and their shared legacy in the Czech art scene. Curated by Jan Světlík, Petr Pavliňák, and Zdenek Sklenár, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the lives and works of these two influential figures. To delve deeper into the themes and meaning of this exhibition, we sat down with Dr. Anna Nováková, an art historian and expert on Czech modern art, for an insightful conversation.
The Artistic Relationship Between Švabinský and Salichová
Senior Editor: Dr. Nováková, thank you for joining us. The exhibition highlights the unique relationship between Max Švabinský and Helena Salichová. How would you describe their dynamic as professor and student?
Dr. Anna Nováková: Thank you for having me. The relationship between Švabinský and Salichová is interesting as it reflects both mentorship and artistic independence. Švabinský was a towering figure in Czech art, known for his classical elegance and technical mastery. Salichová, conversely, was a trailblazer who carved out her own path despite the conservative pedagogies of the time. While she learned from Švabinský, she didn’t simply mimic his style. Instead,she absorbed his teachings and infused them with her own modern,socially conscious perspective. This exhibition beautifully captures that tension between tradition and innovation.
Gender Perspectives in Art
Senior Editor: one of the key themes of the exhibition is the juxtaposition of male and female perspectives on women’s roles in society. How do Švabinský and Salichová’s works reflect this?
Dr. Anna Nováková: This is one of the most compelling aspects of the exhibition. Švabinský’s works, such as Sidonia the Gorgeous, frequently enough portray women as idealized, almost ethereal figures. They reflect the societal norms of his time, where women where frequently enough seen through the lens of beauty and grace. Salichová, however, offers a stark contrast. Her works, like the Silesian Sibyl series, depict elderly women from rural Silesia with raw honesty and dignity. She doesn’t romanticize their lives; rather, she highlights their resilience and strength. This contrast provides a nuanced exploration of gender roles and societal expectations.
Highlighted Works and Their Significance
Senior Editor: The exhibition features several standout pieces,including Salichová’s Shapes Hidden in Wood and Švabinský’s Paradise Sonata. Can you tell us more about these works and their significance?
Dr. Anna Nováková: Absolutely. Shapes Hidden in Wood is a remarkable collection of 180 graphic pages created by Salichová between 1960 and 1973. these woodcuts showcase her incredible imagination and mastery of the medium. Each piece feels like a window into her mind, revealing her ability to transform simple materials into profound artistic statements. On the other hand, Švabinský’s Paradise Sonata is a deeply personal work, created during a period of personal crisis in the 1920s.It reflects his emotional depth and technical brilliance, offering a glimpse into his inner world. Together, these works highlight the diversity of their artistic approaches and the richness of their contributions to Czech art.
The Legacy of Švabinský and Salichová
Senior Editor: As we look back on their careers, what do you think is the lasting legacy of Švabinský and Salichová in the Czech art scene?
Dr.Anna Nováková: Both artists have left an indelible mark on Czech art, but in very different ways. Švabinský is celebrated for his technical mastery and his ability to capture the beauty of the human form. He represents the pinnacle of classical art in Czechoslovakia. Salichová, on the other hand, is a symbol of innovation and social consciousness. She broke barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field and used her art to address vital societal issues. Together, they represent the duality of tradition and progress, and their works continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Senior Editor: why should people visit this exhibition? What makes it a must-see for art enthusiasts and history buffs?
Dr. Anna Nováková: This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see the works of two remarkable artists side by side. It’s not just about appreciating their individual talents; it’s about understanding the dialog between them. The curators have done an exceptional job of highlighting the contrasts and connections in their works, creating a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving.Whether you’re drawn to Švabinský’s classical elegance or Salichová’s modern, socially charged creations, this exhibition offers something for everyone. It’s a celebration of art, history, and the enduring power of creativity.
For more data, visit the official website of the Gong Gallery.
