Artist
From Polešovice, Zlín region, Czechia
Based in Brno and Polešovice, Czechia
The alpha and omega of Břetislav Malý's work is color - emotions and meanings it represents and evokes, its versatility in relation to the wider context or other colors. His works are minimalistic, their content the color itself and its texture; with his sculptures, he focuses on their relationship with light.
A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?
B: I come from an artistic family and I was simply fascinated by art enough to start trying to create myself, leading me to study painting myself.
A: What inspires you the most?
B: In the past couple of years it's been the relationship between painting and color, as well as various texts on the topic.
A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?
B: No, I don't.
A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer)...?
B: To let themselves get immersed in it.
A: ...what to begin with?
B: That's the million dollar question. I really don't know. For me personally, I think I was always lucky to have people around me who helped me assume my own point of view.
A: Your top 3 adjectives or phrases related to art?
B: I guess that depends. For me, I'd say color, painting, and situation.
A: Your favorite Czech artists?
B: I have many favourite artists. I think I am happy to visit any exhibition and enjoy it if it's good quality. Lately I've been enjoying - and it's also dependent on current exhibitions - artists such as Tomáš Rajlich, Václav Krůček, Jiří Hilmar, Jiří Staněk, or Tomáš Roubal.
A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture?Why?
B: Mucha's The Slav Epic or the body of work of Mikuláš Medek or Toyen have undeniable value simply because they are well-known. However, I think that could be said about works by such artists as David Černý, Eva Koťátková, or Krištof Kintera.
A: How do you like to connect with others through art?
B: For me that's natural. I have art for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I live art and that makes it so simple.
A: Where can we meet you?
B: My studio is in my home but I carry my sketchbook everywhere I go so I can take notes anywhere I am. My projects always ripen gradually, over the course of several months. However, since my works tend to be complicated to realize, the studio is an essential facility. Yet, as movement is a part of my thought process, I have been drawing from residences I have undertaken previously.
A: Is there any quote or idea that has guided you in your work and/or life?
B: I have no such thing.
Thank you!