We all know about Prague and its rich (somewhat peculiar) history, its statues and castles and the occasional odd, contemporary statues. But did you know about David Černý and his controversial sculptures that have “brightened” up the city in the last three decades?
In fact, if you are in Prague (and had your fill of the Charles Bridge, Castles and beer spa), you must absolutely go on a Černý-sculpture hunt and experience the quirky side of the city. Finding Černý pieces in Prague is a bit like a treasure hunt mainly because most of his works are unmarked and of course unnamed. If you happen to chance upon one of them, you might be one of the thousands pointing at works and wondering – what in the world is that!
Here are a few of my favourite David Černý sculptures.
The Hanging Man
You’ll find this in the centre of Prague (Husova Street near Bethlehem Square or Betlémské náměstí). This statue of a man hanging from a rooftop is one of his most remarkable works. You could easily assume that the man is trying to commit suicide, but I’ll have you know that the “man” is Sigmund Freud.
The Dead Horse
This one really is one of my favourites. Nearing the end of Wenceslas Square, located inside the Lucerna Plaza is this David Černý masterpiece that, at the time of its installation created quite a scandal. This statue is of a dead, dark horse (in stark contrast to the majestic kingly statue at the start of the Square) hanging upside down from the dome ceiling on which sits St Wenceslas.
Who is David Černý?Let’s begin with the right way to pronounce his name. Simply put, it would be chair-knee. So, David Černý is famous in the art world for his scandalous sculptures. A bit ironical that, right? But this Czech sculptor occasionally stirs up controversy by creating social (or anti-social, if you please) pieces of art, which if course you can see all over Prague. In fact it would be a good idea to go on a hunt of these sculptures that has caused much amusement and angst among the people. David was born in 1967 (that makes him 51) and shot to fame when he painted a Russian tank pink! At the time it was considered as hooliganism that led to his brief arrest. The Czechs love him though and I admit, I do too.
|
Crawling Babies
Decidedly creepy! Funnily, David Černý was commissioned to create an installation for the Zizkov TV Tower and thus these babies were born. These large headed babies (nine of them if you please) can be seen crawling up the tower. And if that were not enough, there are a few of them crawling around the Kampa museum near Kampa Park.
Peeing Men
Located in the courtyard of the Franz Kafka museum (quite close to the Charles Bridge if you happen to be here) is one of David Černý more hilarious creations aptly named “Piss”. This one features two mechanical men urinating on the map of Czech Republic. You can even text a personal message to the number shown next to the exhibit and the men will pee it for you. Something you never knew you wanted to see.
The Embryo
This one is the least of my favourites – but it is there, one giant embryo hanging on a drainpipe on the façade of the Divadlo Na Zábradlí. The first time you see it, you might not figure that one out, of course, I didn’t either, but it is meant as a symbol to mark the 50th anniversary of theatre. If you are seeing this by night, you will notice the “glow” inside.
Hello,
I’ve researched the horse statue? Why is the man sitting on its tummy? Is it because the belly is softer?