What is the most bizarre thing you have ever had to deal with during an exhibition installation?
MICHAL ŠIMEK (Head of Prague Office): During every installation, you deal with problems both big and small. But the “ultimate” one was probably when a different painting than the one in the press materials was brought from Vienna for a pre-auction exhibition—the auction featured two works by the same artist. My heart really skipped a beat there. Fortunately, it was possible to fix it because we had a few hours to spare.
What does it usually look like 20 minutes before an opening reception?
MŠ: Even though everything has been ready for a long time, as anticipation builds, so does the obsessive idea that there is always something left to improve. So, I repeatedly walk around to convince myself that it truly cannot get any better.
How do you know that an exhibition has been a true success?
MŠ: When I combine all the factors that I find essential and that I personally consider decisive for evaluating an exhibition, I can arrive at some assessment. But it will still be just one, highly personal point of view—whether it’s an exhibition I came to see or one I put together as a curator.
Which exhibition will you never forget and why?
MŠ: František Muzika – Paintings from 1948–1972. As a curator, I had the opportunity to work with the legacy of such an extraordinary individual as František Muzika. It resulted in an amazing catalog and a beautiful exhibition. It was a truly massive challenge, but an even greater joy and pleasure.
