Visual arts in the Czech Republic are flourishing amidst Prague’s historic backdrop, with leading local artists and designers drawing worldwide attention for their work. In this program, you can explore a range of art studios (painting, graphic arts, photography) and learn from top-flight faculty and visiting guest artists. You can find more information about choosing a umenie.
The course introduces students to experimental techniques with deep roots in Czech visual arts history such as montage, collage, assemblage, stop motion, photogram and more. Through a variety of assignments and discussions, students develop a strong understanding of the historical context and artistic potential for these practices.
In this seminar, you explore the intersection of the artist and society through theoretical debates and personal discussions with Czech artists whose work mirrors or provokes current public debates in the Czech lands around topics such as human rights, environmental and public space, gender equality and social marginalization. You also consider your own role as an artist and civic leader.
Laura Luna Castillo is a new media artist and experimental musician who works on sculptures, installations and kinetic sculpture. During her studies at Prague College (now PCU), she secured a full scholarship and won several awards including the prestigious Student Design Award from the British Royal Society of World Design. Since graduation she has been specializing in installations and experimental music.
Jan Rosicky specializes in product design and digital fabrication. He uses his unique skills to create prototypes for 3D-printed limb prostheses, which have been used in the Czech Republic and beyond. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, he founded a successful start-up, Invent Medical, which utilizes advanced design and manufacturing techniques to improve people’s lives.
The Czech Republic has a rich and vibrant tradition in visual arts, spanning centuries of artistic expression. One of the most famous Czech artists is Alfons Mucha, known for his distinctive Art Nouveau style, which includes iconic posters and decorative works such as the Slav Epic, a monumental series of paintings celebrating Slavic history and culture.
In the 20th century, the Czech Republic was home to avant-garde movements like Cubism, with artists like František Kupka and Emil Filla leading the way. Surrealism also found a prominent place in Czech art, thanks to figures like Toyen and Jindřich Štyrský.
During the communist era, Czech art often had to navigate the challenges of censorship and repression, leading to unique forms of expression, such as the underground art scene known as “samizdat.”
In the post-communist era, the Czech Republic experienced a resurgence of artistic freedom and innovation. Artists like Jiří David and David Černý have gained international recognition for their provocative and thought-provoking works, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
Today, the Czech Republic continues to nurture a thriving arts community, with galleries, museums, and art festivals that showcase the country’s diverse and evolving visual arts scene. The nation’s rich history and cultural heritage remain strong sources of inspiration for artists, making the Czech Republic an essential hub for visual arts in Central Europe.
Umění v digitálním věku 