Sign. bottom right in pencil Sopko 96, oil on cardboard, 37,5 × 24,5 cm,
mount, frame, glassSince the 1960s, Jiří Sopek's paintings have been among the
the most significant manifestations of Czech new figuration and absurd grotesque, characteristic
for the Central European area. Jiří Sopek's distinctive talent as a painter and colourist
Sopek absorbed various influences, especially British Pop Art. In the early days of
the influence of the Belgian expressive symbolist artist
James Ensor, particularly in his distinctive and vibrant colour palette, with his signature
short brushstrokes and a focus on darkly grotesque panopticon
of the human race. Sopko's work has always been linked to the current
social situation and responded to it with critical commentary, existential
anguish, ironic sarcasm, but also affectionate humour. In the 1970s
in the 1970s, at a time when Sopko was practically prevented from exhibiting
and to work publicly, his work took a turn towards a more solid outline of characters,
whom he depicts with mockery but also with understanding, and at the same time
28 Kokolia Vladimír *1956
Czech Central Highlands II, 1977
signed on the reverse V. Kokolia, České středohoří 1977, oil on canvas,
46 × 36 cm, frame
55 000 CZK 2 162
VLADIMIR KOKOLIA
enters the oppressive absurdity of the times and the deteriorating social situation.
In the paintings, disembodied human heads begin to appear, which tend to be variously
manipulated, or have a look of horror and screams on their faces. Paintings by Jiří Sopek
from this period are highly sought after and are usually part of gallery
collections.
#24024274
auction 66
66th auction of Fine Art, Antiques, Design and Glass
Information at aukce@sypka.cz, mob. 608 958 322.
