The Embassy of the Czech Republic will open the exhibition My Wife’s Life with Plastic by artist Michal Cihlář on March 28, 2023, at 6 pm. The exhibition will feature photographs of beautiful works created through the use of plastic bottles by Veronika Richterová, Cihlář‘s wife.

Over the years, Cihlář has worked in the fields of fine and applied graphic art, illustrations, collage, and photography. In his work, he consciously seeks to erase the line between applied and fine art, an approach that is most visible in his hand-cut lettering. He has illustrated more than 80 books, designed four postage stamps, and created four books of photography. A Q&A with the artist and his wife follows the opening.

Event Details:

Date/Time:
March 28, 2023, at 6 pm

Location:
Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of freedom Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

RSVP required

About the Exhibition:

Michal Cihlář in his own words...

The inspiration of plastic bottles hit our family unexpectedly in 2004 and continues to this day. The Czech technical term for these ubiquitous bottles, the word PET, quickly acquired its American meaning here at home. My wife, Veronika Richterová, not only collects and accumulates this material, but also creates original sculptures and designer chandeliers from it. Thus, new works are created, which, with their creativity and optimistic colors, invite me to photograph them. At the same time, my true profession is free graphics...Over time, this hobby of mine developed into an addiction. Each of Veronika's works requires my original approach, sensitivity, different light, new background. In a way, this job became a welcome relaxation for me.

Biography:

Michal Cihlář is a graduate of the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague (1981–1987), where he studied book culture and typography. He has worked in the fields of fine and applied graphic art, illustrations, collage, and photography since 1987. He has designed four postage stamps. Cihlář has systematically worked with color linocut since 1981. In his work, he consciously seeks to erase the line between applied and fine art, an approach that is most visible in his hand-cut lettering. He has done graphic design work and illustrations for more than eighty books. When traveling, he and his wife, the sculptor Veronika Richterová, consciously produce collections of photographs. To date, they have published 4 books of photography, and in 2021, they self-published the extensive book Japan in Details. Cihlář’s travels have also yielded more than a hundred collage travel journals. In 1989, he and photographer Rudo Prekop initiated the creation of the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art in Medzilaborce, Slovakia, which he helped design. From 1997–2006, Cihlář helped produce the Prague Zoo’s comprehensive visual image with a series of digitally colored linocuts. In 2002, he received the Vladimír Boudník Award for his personal contribution to modern Czech graphic art. Currently, his main focus is on fine graphic art production.

Embassy Policy:

By registering, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists by attending this event on the premises of the Embassy of the Czech Republic. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Czech Republic or any of their diplomats, staff, contractors, affiliates, employees, agents, or volunteers liable for any illness, injury, or death. The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises.

Masks are recommended. At its discretion, the Embassy may take your temperature upon arrival. No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required.