The book SPECTRUM, which deals with contemporary young painting in the Czech Republic, is available for purchase these days. The list of about 40 artists born in the 70s and 80s in Czechoslovakia was designed by Václav Hájek, Petr Vaňous and Barbora Ropková. Jan Kudrna, the curator of the Telegraph Gallery, was involved in the selection of the artists, and his assistant exchanged a few sentences with him about the idea of the book.
How did this unusual combination of personalities such as Vaňous, Kudrna and Ropková come about?
Peter Vaňous came up with the idea for the book four years ago. He was looking for the ideal team of authors, who were supposed to be people who are very much in the environment of exhibitions, and especially the studios themselves. At the same time, a certain "preferential balance" was to be ensured. In addition to Petr Vaňous and myself, Edith Jeřábková was approached, who had to withdraw from the project after some time due to work reasons. Peter and I knew the work of Bára Ropková and approached her to see if she would like to continue in the project instead of Edith Jeřábková. To our delight, she agreed, and so the final trio was formed.
What made you choose the name Spectrum? What does the name represent, what does it refer to?
Over time, the name has emerged as a kind of "Gordian knot" of the whole project. In the end, the name SPECTRUM was chosen. In general, the title represents a totality or range, and in principle this is how the book was (is) intended to appear. This is its role.
What formula did you take into account when selecting the artists for the publication?
From the very beginning it was obvious that it would not be possible to cover all movements, artists and tendencies with the publication. A key had to be set. A number of 45 authors was determined. The focus of painting after 2000 was crucial. Each of the authors proposed their 45 artists and each of them was awarded one point. The first 45 artists with the highest number of points made it into the book. Of course, there was a final debate regarding each of the suggested artists, but this techie key was the basis for everything.
Which artists did you choose, Honzo?
The choice was actually a collective one by the scoring system, although there was a longer debate afterwards. The points were crucial. I think each of the authors had roughly the same number of "successful" and "unsuccessful" candidates.
What was the thought or idea behind the creation of this book?
The basic idea of the publication was put forward 4 years ago by Petr Vaňous, who is the editor of the whole book. He came to Olomouc at that time and we discussed the idea together with Robert Runták for almost a whole night. The genesis is much more fundamental. The need for such publications is huge here. The quality of Czech painting is considerable! Basically, everyone who is more involved in the international environment feels it. We have an extremely high quality scene here. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive view and overview. One book will not change or solve anything. But we hope there will be something to build on. Getting the book to people abroad is essential. It must be said, however, that without a real BLASON a similar book will not be produced anywhere. The cost is enormous. And without Robert Runták, this book could never have survived even the stage of simple reflection.
What do you hope for from the publication of the book or what is the aim of the publication?
We want to show that the scene is really diverse and of high quality. And if I make light of it slightly. Even enlightened people will see that although there are 45 authors in the book, there are easily 20 others rightly missing :-). And what more can be said about the scene in a positive sense?
Why did you choose BigBoss publishing house?
We like the way they approach books. They have done a tremendous job in this. And they also have a reach in foreign distribution.
What attracted you to the designers at 20YY Designers to design the visuals for the book?
Both Petr Bosák and Robert Jansa, from the 20YY Designers studio collective, have been working with both Petr Vaňous and Robert Runták for quite some time. They are a permanent essential duo on our scene.
Are you thinking about a sequel?
Several of my replies above are directly to that effect. It's not about the authors of the book. It has follow-ups and is a really high-cost project. If there is a will from anywhere for SPECTRUM II, I personally will not oppose it at all☺.
Questions: Vera D.
