AS IS | Jindra Viková

Artist

From Prague, Czechia

Based in Prague, Czechia

Even though Jindra Viková's work has always centered around the figure and ceramics, new mediums, techniques, and attitudes find their way into it, as if the artist can't stop looking for new ways of self-expression. Her vast body of work, therefore, includes everything from sculpture and drawings to work with photography and assemblage.

A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?

J: As a child, I drew all the time, created clay sculptures that collapsed immediately, and yet, right after finishing primary school, I was accepted to the Václav Hollar Secondary School of Art in Prague. My father painted and photographed and two years before his death, he created a whole cycle of watercolor pieces and drawings called ARTbrut. The catalogue was published only after he died, authored by Jaromít Zemina.

I worked at several American universities; I taught with my husband at Ann Arbor University, Ohio University, and Connecticut University, and I taught in Australia, at Canberra University for a while. Every year, I lead spring and summer workshops in the lovely town of Kohoutov near Kuks, at J. Tyrnerová's ceramics studio. For years, I've been bringing my students books that I received while abroad or catalogs from exhibitions. They have a week to become familiar with the materials and then we discuss the topic. Every year, we organize an exhibition with their works at theOtto Gutfreund Gallery in Dvůr Králové. I am also a member of the AIC Academy in Geneva and from 2006 to 2012 I represented Eastern European countries in ceramics. Recently, I had my biggest-to-date exhibition, at the Wortner Housein České Budějovice, The Woman of Clay, in Aleš South Bohemian Gallery.

A: What inspires you the most?

J: Everything around me, everything I encounter and dream of: nature, people, animals, music, silence, and I've always been intrigued by discarded and unwanted objects which I like to incorporate into my sculptures or assemblages. Maybe that's why I still enjoy the play which is how I like to approach my work.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?

J: When I visit international symposiums, I always need to find a space for myself, ideally quiet, with a view of nature.

A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just anadmirer), what to begin with?

J: To not be afraid to try anything and experiment, the importance of bringing your own legacy into the world. It's also necessary to attend exhibitions and learn about the history of art and modern history.

A: Your top 3 adjectives or phrases related to art?

J: Timeless, great, inspiring.

A: Your favorite Czech artists?

J: Adriena Šimotová, Bedřich Dlouhý, Zdena Fibichová, František Skála.

A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture?Why?

J: Matthias Braun, Toyen, and Otto Gutfreund embody it with their originality and mysteriousness. And the Cubist architecture.

A: How do you like to connect with others through art?

J: I collaborate with galleries and stay in touch with a big group of industry people, such as artists, curators, or collectors. Exhibitions, lectures, and workshops are crucial for connecting with others through art.

A: Where can we meet you?

J: I was invited to contribute to a May exhibition at the Marianna Heller Gallery in Heidelberg, titled "Heads." My husband and I, the photographer Petr Baňka, have a farm in Prague - Benice where we work. Recently we had an exhibition together at the Bethlemen Chapel Gallery titled "Dialogue".

A: Is there any quote or idea that has guided you in your work and/or life?

J: Probably love and empathy.

Thank you!

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