Despite following in his father’s artistic footsteps, Jan Uprka is unfortunately known for his involvement in a much more controversial career—participating in the fascist party during the occupation of Czechoslovakia. While his father, Joža Uprka, became internationally celebrated for his depictions of Moravian folk life, Jan never achieved comparable artistic recognition. Living in the shadow of his acclaimed father could … Read More
De-coding the Czech kroj: what a scarf could mean?
As industrialization acclerated across Central Europe in the late nineteenth century, traditional folk dress, known as kroj, or kroje (pl), began to be rendered obsolete and started to disappear from everyday life. Mass-produced, functional clothing became more readily available. Larger, more urban centers such as Prague saw the kroj fall out of use relatively quickly, while rural regions experienced a … Read More
Tracing Joža Uprka: Must-Visit Art Destinations in the Czech Republic
At Uprka in America, we often center Joža Uprka and his fellow Czech modernist artists within an American perspective. Despite this, his impact is felt most powerfully in the Czech Republic, a country that happens to rank among Europe’s most compelling travel destinations. If you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic this year, we’ve put together a curated list … Read More
Auguste Rodin in Hroznová Lhota
In 1902, Auguste Rodin exhibited in Prague in one of his most extensive collections of work outside of France. Prepared by the Mánes Fine Arts Association, the exhibition was promoted all throughout the city and drew large numbers—although the exhibition was not profitable, it “influenced the entire generation of sculptors and ushered in a new era of Czech modern sculpture.” … Read More