A working person usually spends eight hours a day, five days a week at their job. Some of us are fulfilled by our work and find our identities through it, while others simply work to secure an income that covers their costs of living and allows them to spend their free time in a satisfying way. Much like a worker on an assembly line, urban society—which earns its living through office work—now finds itself in a situation where the fruit of its labor is only one stage in the “production” process. Ever since the beginning of the industrial age, society has been dealing with the problems associated with the need for workers to recuperate in a way that they not only relax but also satisfy their social and cultural needs and engage in physical activity. But who can afford to spend their free time satisfactorily when leisure time is also becoming a market commodity—a time for consuming services? Do we know how to spend our leisure time idly?
The Labyrinth at Troja Château
ARTISTS: Magdalena Pacáková, Antonie Hlavicová, Mia Milgrom, František Felix
28. 9. 2025, 15:00 Guided tour
The concept of this year’s exhibition in the Troja labyrinth loosely builds on the theme of the exhibition The Palace of (Leisure) Time, which is on view in the interior of the château. At the same time, however, it introduces new perspectives on the relationship between art, leisure activities, and the specific setting of the château garden where the artworks are situated. Each of the exhibited pieces reflects a particular aspect of recreational activity—such as weekend cottage culture, mushroom foraging, basket weaving, or quiet contemplation in nature—all within the context of the labyrinth’s unique environment. The exhibition consists of four artworks, each installed in a separate section of the labyrinth, confronting the viewer with different interpretations of the theme in varying contexts.
