explore the abstract spaces of jiří příhoda's VOID exhibition in prague

Jiří Příhoda: focused on form

In an exploration of space, volume, matter and emptiness, Jiří Příhoda presents an exhibition in Prague titled VOID. The show primarily features new installations including Rig, Quantumcraft, and Hall 7 — displayed together with two of Příhoda’s key works from the 1990’s titled Take 01 ‘Desert Storm,‘ and Take 02 ‘The FLOOD.’

The artist’s innovative studies of imaginary objects become inspiring sites that merge architecture and fine art sculpture. The utility of these sculptural built spaces is not Příhoda’s primary objective, rather each is purely form-focused.

Rig, 2016-22 (mining tower) | all images © Martin Polak, Galerie Rudolfinum, Prague

the ‘void’ exhibition where concept meets reality

As demonstrated throughout his VOID exhibition in Prague, Jiří Příhoda (see more here) makes use of architectural devices to abstract spatial studies that are best understood from the perspective of artistic solutions to material problems. His form-focused work seeks to be at once ’emotionally balanced and inspiringly provocative,’ standing at the ‘intersections of space and matter, as well as encounters between reality and mere concept.’

The artist notes: ‘All this is usually done without prior considerations for potential practical applications, although these are not ruled out. In other words, his theme also comprises the inspiration to highlight other than the utilitarian worlds that are inherently the focal point of architectural thinking, and he often does so in ways that are nonstandard or even downright ungraspable in practice.’

Rig, 2016-22 (mining tower)

contemporary works in prague’s historic rudolfinum

Jiří Příhoda’s VOID exhibition occupies Prague’s Rudolfinum gallery, an historic structure defined by its complex neo-renaissance architecture. The ornamental space stands as an important and inspirational counterpoint for the artist, and hosts what is now the most extensive showcase of Příhoda’s practice to date.

The exhibition organizers note: ‘Příhoda’s oeuvre stands out with its absolutely unwavering level of excellence that by far exceeds the current standard of presentations of its type, making it one of a kind on the Czech art scene. While developing the project it was necessary to consider a number of different options for dovetailing the constructions designed by the artist in line with the technical possibilities of the building.

‘The subsequent investigation of the different ways they could be executed resulted in Příhoda’s entire oeuvre being taken to a new level of precision, if not, in fact, a synthesis.’

Rig, 2016-22 (mining tower)
Quantumcraft, 2013–22
Quantumcraft, 2013–22