Provocative Exotic & Controversial
David Cerny’s work is prominently displayed throughout Prague. Cerny’s work is thought-provoking and controversial. This Czech artistic prophet, David Cerny, is welcome in Prague. This is evidenced by the placement of nine of his works throughout the city. Cerny is a visual artist who speaks loudly through his public art.
More About David Cerny
David Cerny was born in 1967 in Prague. He attended the Kurt Gebauer Studio, part of Prague’s Academy of Arts. In addition, from 1995 to 1996, he participated in the New York Whitney Museum Independent Study program. During his time abroad, he became an artist in residence in New York. He received the Pollock-Krasner grant. Later, he also took up residence in Boswil, Switzerland.
Thought-Provoking
You are forced to decide. Love his work or hate it, one thing remains: Cerny’s honest, creative angst is thought-provoking. His creativity speaks loudly through his visual displays. One critic is the deputy mayor of Bielsko-Biala, Poland. In great distress, Zbigniew Michniowski urgently contacted his finance folks. The deputy mayor threatened to withhold funds for the public art budget unless Cerny’s work was promptly removed. Michniowski warned of severe consequences.
The piece was transported to the Szara gallery in the nearby town of Cieszyn, Poland. The Cerny piece that the Mayor objected to is titled “Shark.”
Public Art More About”The Shark”
“Shark” is a parody of a tiger shark in a tank. The parody was on a work by British visual artist Damien Hirst. Hirst’s work depicts a real tiger shark from Australia in a tank.
Hirst’s working title is .”The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living.” Cerny’s “Shark” depicts Saddam Hussein in a tank of formaldehyde.
Cerny’s visual statements include painting a soviet tank memorial pink. On the tank, there was a sizeable obscene finger placed on its turret. Again, this artistic statement landed Mr. Cerny some jail time. Moreover, jail time was due to defacing public property. These visually provoking artistic statements add to the rich history of Prague. Meanwhile, the Velvet Revolution changed the lives of the Czech people. This revolution occurred from November the seventeenth to November the twenty-eighth, 1989.
The Movement Bore Fruit
The movement bore much fruit, like the freedom of artistic expression. The Velvet Revolution Started as Students protested for fourteen days in Wenceslas Square. Wenceslas Square is where the Czech people come together. This throughout many generations to celebrate their unity for change.
Pictures documenting the revolution show three hundred thousand people. The people massed shoulder to shoulder. The movement’s goal was to have the Communist government resign. A new governance was to replace socialism with a democratically elected government.
The People Have A Vote
In which the people would have a vote and voice. The “Velvet Revolution” was an expression of national pride by the Czech people. The Czechs have shown their strength of character through the generations. A peaceful fight for freedom was how it was done. This speaks volumes about the character of the Czech people.
Protests
The “Velvet Revolution” was a powerful and unyielding protest movement. The movement emerged out of deep dissatisfaction with the Soviet way of life. The revolution was named Velvet because of the peaceful protests. These protests lasted for six weeks. Creating a new democratic government known as the “Prague Spring.”
Prague Spring
The swift and decisive transition stunned the world. It was fueled by the Czech people’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. The city is filled with an unshakable pride for its town, which is palpable while traveling through Prague.
Berlin Wall Demolished
The demolition of the Berlin Wall catalyzed the revolution. The people celebrated the election of Vaclav Havel. Havel was a poet and activist. He was becoming the first elected president in a free and fair election. In recognition of his contributions, the airport in Prague bears his name.
Artistic Convictions Expressed in a Visual Medium
The city’s fierce desire for freedom is boldly expressed through its public art. David Cerny’s work is proudly displayed throughout the streets. We know artists speak through their work. Cerny seems to yell loudly. You can not look at his work and walk away unaffected. Instead, you are left with a deep impression about what the artist has conveyed. It is more like a punch in the nose when viewed and pondered. The artist forces you to feel.
Touring David Cerny Nine Works in Prague
Each work is so different, and you wonder if the same person made them. Upon further thought, you realize the genius in visual communication. This is the common thread. This thread is carefully woven through each piece. Moreover, there is no doubt that one person created these works. In conclusion, Cerny created nine stunning public works for Prague’s city streets.
Walking Tours Offered in Prague Public Art Works of David Cerny
People gather every hour to witness the incredible Metamorphosis. This work features a giant sculpture of Franz Kafka’s head. The statue is made of chrome slices. The chrome slices rotate like a Rubik’s cube. The work produces a whooshing sound that draws much attention. The artwork is named after one of Kafka’s most famous writings. Metamorphs the Kafka’s Head was created in 2014. We were fortunate enough to witness this impressive piece in action.
About the Hanging Man
Please look at my photo of “Man Hanging Out.” This piece represents Sigmund Freud with his hand in his pocket. The artist, David Cerny, made a statement through the man hanging. At first glance, seeing the man hanging on the pole startles you. This is an unusual sight, to be sure. You think something does not seem right here.
In this work, Cerny comments on the intellectual face of the 20th century. The message is a personal statement on the current state of things. Throughout history, artists have found ways to express their emotions. These emotions are rooted in deep convictions. Conveyed through their visual medium.
Pop Icon
David Cerny’s work is thought-provoking. He has been made a pop-culture icon. Are you interested in his work? There are many walking tours available of David Cerny’s public art. In addition, I saw this public art during the Prague extension of my Viking Danube Waltz River Cruise. See more about sites in Prague in the post below.
Prague Charles Bridge Connecting East And Western Europe
Additional Works By Cerny Located in Prague Man Hanging Out -1996
Saint Wenceslas-1999
Babies On Television Tower-2001
Meet Factory-2001
Brown Nosers-2003
Piss-2004
Embryo-2008
Babies, Kampa Park-2008
Franz Kafka “Metalmorphosis-2014
