The 1976 exhibition of Czech painter Adriena Šimotová in New York was canceled after adhesive stains appeared on her textile collages, a failure that kept the works in storage for five decades. Today, these pieces are being shown for the first time at the Milá Adrieno… exhibition at Museum Kampa in Prague, which runs through September 13. According to chief curator Jan Skřivánek, the exhibition highlights the previously overlooked experimental phase of Šimotová’s career.
The Impact of Archival Preservation on Modern Exhibitions
The “flawed” textile works from the 1970s provide a rare look into Šimotová’s artistic transition. While many museums prioritize pristine restoration, Museum Kampa opted to display the pieces in their original, stained condition. Skřivánek notes that the marks are a historical layer that does not detract from the work’s significance. By choosing not to mask these imperfections, the museum preserves the authentic record of the artist’s experimentation with materials, which eventually led to her later, highly acclaimed work with layered carbon paper.
Did you know?
The 1976 exhibition was intended to be a bridge between the exiled collector Meda Mládková and the Czech art scene. Mládková purchased the works through the state-run Art Centrum to navigate socialist-era restrictions, though the project ultimately collapsed due to the condition issues.
Shifting Perspectives: Vitality vs. Fragility
For decades, the critical narrative surrounding Adriena Šimotová has emphasized the “fragile” and “spiritual” nature of her art. However, current exhibitions aim to challenge this perception. According to Jan Skřivánek, describing Šimotová as merely “fragile” is a cliché that ignores the physical strength required to work with knives and heavy industrial paper. The current display at Museum Kampa includes approximately 80 works that underscore the artist’s vitality, particularly in her transition from traditional painting to tactile, sculptural forms.
Upcoming Commemorative Exhibitions
The centenary of the artist’s birth—she passed away in 2014—has prompted a series of significant institutional exhibitions across the Czech Republic:
- Galerie výtvarného umění v Chebu: Opening October 1, the exhibition Adriena Šimotová: Radost ze života (Joy of Life) will focus on her early work and her capacity for spontaneous energy, curated by Marie Klimešová.
- Moravská galerie v Brně: An exhibition starting in the middle of October will showcase her large-format paper works from the 1980s.
The Evolution of Medium and Technique
Šimotová’s career was defined by constant technical reinvention. When she felt that painting no longer offered enough resistance, she moved toward textiles and, eventually, paper-based sculpture. The “Schoulení” (Cowering) series, created while the artist was confined to a wheelchair, exemplifies this persistent drive. Even in her later years, she adopted techniques reminiscent of Henri Matisse, using a long stick to draw on paper placed on the floor. This ability to adapt her process to her changing physical circumstances remains a focal point for researchers and curators today.
Pro Tip:
When viewing Šimotová’s work, look for the dialogue between her earlier, daily-ritual paintings and her later, abstract carbon-paper figures. The consistency of her “gesture”—the act of capturing human movement—persists even as the medium shifts from oil to paper and light.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why were the 1970s textile works not shown for 50 years?
- The works were deemed “devalued” by collector Meda Mládková in 1976 due to adhesive stains that appeared, likely caused by humidity or the artist’s experimentation with materials. They remained in storage until the current Museum Kampa exhibition.
- What makes the current Museum Kampa exhibition unique?
- It features works never before seen by the public, including the stained textile series, and offers a more “vital” interpretation of the artist’s work, moving away from the traditional focus on fragility.
- Where can I see more of Adriena Šimotová’s work?
- In addition to Museum Kampa, upcoming exhibitions are scheduled at the Galerie výtvarného umění v Chebu and the Moravská galerie in Brno throughout the autumn.
Have you visited the current exhibition in Prague, or are you planning to see the upcoming exhibitions in Cheb or Brno? Share your thoughts on how these new insights change your view of 20th-century Czech art in the comments below.