Ivan Ouhel Rhythms

The Gallery of the Czech Centre in Bratislava presents the work of Ivan Ouhel in the Czech House. The exhibition, entitled Rhythms, presents a collection of 18 works by the important Czech artist who had a close relationship with Slovakia. Most of the paintings come from the collection of the artist’s wife.

According to him, the title Rhythms refers not only to the specifics of Ouhel’s artistic language, but also to his love of music. “He grew up surrounded by it from an early age. His father played the bassoon in the Czechoslovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, first in Košice, then in Ostrava and Prague,” he revealed, adding that the author himself played several musical instruments. “In his youth, he seriously considered pursuing a musical career professionally,” Prokeš added about the exhibition, which will also enrich the celebrations of the Year of Czech Music.

“Ivan Ouhel eventually became a visual artist, but his work reflects music, landscape and rhythm,” the co-curator noted of the artist’s work, which is represented in the exhibition mainly by paintings inspired by the view of the landscape. “He was an extremely sensitive person, and his paintings are very personal and intimate,” Prokeš stressed about the collection, most of whose works have never been exhibited, or some of the paintings could only be admired sporadically by art lovers. “The works come from the collection of Mrs. Eva Adamcova Ouhel, who is also an artist. She chose them herself in her husband’s studio or he donated the works to her after they were finished,” described Prokeš, who is co-curator of the exhibition with Czech curator Petr Macha.

Both of them stress that Ouhel was fascinated by the view of the country besides the figure and as a young man he already knew Slovakia intimately. “While still studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague (1968-1974), he painted en plein air in the Tatra Mountains. He travelled around Slovakia and visited the studios of some of his Slovak colleagues several times,” Prokeš adds.

Ivan Ouhel (1945 – 2021) was one of the most important Czech painters, draughtsmen and graphic artists of the second half of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. His works are represented in the collections of state and regional galleries in the Czech Republic, including the National Gallery in Prague. He regularly exhibits at home and abroad, and has twice participated in the Venice Biennale (1984, 1988). He was a member of the free artists’ cooperative 12/15 Pozdě, as well as of the Artists’ Meeting. Although he lived and worked in Prague all his life, the main motif of his work, besides the figure, was landscape and natural elements.

The exhibition was held under the patronage of Rudolf Jindrák, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Slovakia. Visitors can see it until 4 September.

Location: Prepoštská 6, Bratislava, Slovakia
Date: until 04.09.2024
Time: from 10.00 a.m.
Admission: free of charge

Wondering what’s happening in Bratislava today, this weekend? Eventland brings you tips for events in Bratislava and where to go in Bratislava this month.