What was the first work acquired for the Havrlant Art Collection, and how does the process of selecting artworks work? How has the collection evolved toward international acquisitions? How does its participation in art fairs function, and to what extent is the purchase of works influenced by the legislation of different countries?
In the podcast, curator Ján Gajdušek not only discusses the background and development of the collection but also explains the nature of his role. He presents Kateřina Havrlant, the collection’s owner, with tips and artist portfolios, and she then decides which studios to visit. “An important part of the curator’s role is to track the development and activities of artists. Over the past ten years, we have revisited most of them and carried out additional acquisitions, for example. I try to follow where they exhibit, what they are working on, and meet them. Everything is then discussed with Kateřina Havrlant,” explains Ján.
The anniversary exhibition of the Havrlant Art Collection presents only a selection from the entire collection. In the podcast, Ján Gajdušek describes the criteria for this selection: “The selection took place in several waves, and it was difficult to leave works out. During the first Prague Art Week at Pragovka, we focused mainly on painting due to limited space. Now at Mánes, we have emphasized objects and videos that were missing from the first exhibition. There are seven films, and newer acquisitions complement works that are essential to the collection,” Ján explains, adding that the selection of works is also linked to the exhibition’s architecture, designed by RUINA office. You can see both the architecture and the exhibition for yourself at the opening on September 25 at 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will run until October 6.
At the end of the podcast, the curator shares his personal tips that you definitely shouldn’t miss at the exhibition. The conversation also concludes with a personal invitation, highlighting additional reasons to visit the exhibition at Mánes Exhibition Hall and why it is significant that it is held there.
