A Kamil Lhoták Retrospective
07.02.18 – 22.04.18
Retro Gallery is preparing the most extensive retrospective exhibition to date of Kamil Lhoták’s paintings. The exhibition will present the artist’s works in a wide range of themes and styles. The project, taking place at the Municipal House, loosely follows the exhibition KL 38–65: Paintings by Kamil Lhoták 1938–1965, held at the turn of 2016 and 2017 at the North Bohemian Gallery of Fine Arts in Litoměřice, and the Sic Itur Ad Astra exhibition at Museum Kampa in 2015, thus generously completing an imaginary triptych of these exhibitions.
Kamil Lhoták (1912–1990), known as the painter of balloons, modern technology, urban outskirts, and sports, as well as the illustrator of over 400 books for both children and adults, was a self-taught artist. His distinctive and easily recognizable style has often been described as the view of an “enchanted child.” He drew inspiration from childhood memories, vintage posters, illustrated magazines, and atlases. Lhoták was a member of Group 42, where he collaborated with Jiří Kolář, Jan Smetana, František Hudeček, and Jan Kotík. The artists of this group focused on everyday urban life and the life on the outskirts of the city. Lhoták was incredibly prolific; there was rarely a day when he did not complete at least one drawing or painting. He meticulously documented all his oil paintings in a personal catalogue that has survived to this day and continues to aid experts in identifying his works.
The exhibition in Litoměřice added several new fragments to the mosaic of Lhoták’s life and work. It showcased several rediscovered pieces that had never been exhibited since their creation. However, Lhoták’s painting catalogue still includes dozens of works known only by title, with no existing visual documentation.
Kamil Lhoták’s work, both as a painter and illustrator, enjoys great popularity with audiences, as evidenced by the exceptionally high attendance of the Sic Itur Ad Astra exhibition at Museum Kampa in 2015. We are convinced that the upcoming project at the Municipal House also has exceptional potential to attract visitors. The retrospective will present a comprehensive overview of Lhoták’s work, from his earliest paintings dating back to 1936 to his final creations. Around 200 canvases will be displayed, currently housed in both public and private collections, including several unique discoveries—paintings that will be presented to the public for the very first time. These works were discovered primarily in international collections (Switzerland, the USA, France).
Curator MgA Jakub Sluka from Retro Gallery is also preparing an elaborate exhibition catalogue featuring reproductions of all the displayed works.
