Jiří Příhoda’s work can be summed up as exploration of space, volume, mass and emptiness. His extremely inventive and innovative studies of imaginary objects in real life become highly inspiring places that connect architectural solutions with object tendencies from the field of fine art.

The purpose of the work is not the utility of the created environment, shape, object in practical use. Jiří Příhoda deftly navigates the means of architecture in abstract spatial studies that can be understood mostly from the angle of the artistic solution of volumes of mass. The theme is primarily the presentation of work with shape, creativity and ingenuity in the search for a sensually balanced and at the same time inspiringly provocative solution of spatial and material intersections, as well as clashes between the real and the merely thought. All this usually without any consideration of practical utility, which, however, may still be present. In other words, the theme is also an inspiration to draw attention to non-standard, often even explicitly practical worlds other than the utilitarian worlds towards which conventional architectural thinking is inherently directed. Příhoda’s highly conceptual thinking in the position of abstract construction of matter is in its essence far from the meditative positions of architectural construction of interior and exterior space, the shape of which is determined more than ever primarily by the reinterpretation of many traditional, deeply thought-out and tested practices of historical architecture towards classical balance with references to ancient canons. A significant and inspiring “counterpoint” for the artist is the very complex and complicated architecture of the neo-Renaissance building of the Rudolfinum, whose qualities always stand out best when confronted with strong contemporary artistic concepts.

The greater part of the exhibition will feature brand new works alongside reminders of major works from the past decades. The exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum is certainly the largest showcase of his work to date, with a deeply thought-out set of internal connections between the individual installations, both in terms of shape permeability and thought consequences. Příhoda’s work stands out for its absolutely unwavering level of excellence, highly exceeding the usual standard of presentations of this type, and is in a way largely singular on the Czech art scene.

Curator: Petr Nedoma

Rudolfinum Gallery