The painter and graphic artist Jiří John (1923–1972) did not even live to the age of fifty, yet he still had a major impact on the Czech art scene. The leitmotif of his work was his relationship with nature. In great detail he depicted the cycle of birth and decay, capturing the symbiosis of organic and anorganic elements. He created unique paintings and graphic prints evoking imaginary landscapes full of poetry and timeless appeal. He worked in a different way than his wife Adriana Šimotová, but they were great sources of inspiration to each other both in their art and in their lives. This year will see the 100th anniversary of John’s birth. The Gallery of Fine Arts in Ostrava is collaborating with the Prague City Gallery and the Adriena Šimotová and Jiří John Foundation to create this intimate exhibition celebrating a rare talent.

Curator: Gabriela Pelikánová
Consultant: Pavel Brunclík
Text: Gabriela Pelikánová
Translation: Christopher Hopkinson
Graphic design: Katarína Jamrišková
Promotion: Jana Malášek Šrubařová, Magdaléna Staňková