Tereza Stehlikova: Artistic research into sensory perception & embodiment
Few days ago, I wrote an email to Jan Švankmajer, whom I have the privilege of knowing. I wrote because I wanted to know what he thinks about the current situation of the pandemic and in particular, its effect on art and culture. Through some personal conversations, as well as through having read his book... Continue Reading →
In the Czech Surrealist tradition, “morphologie mentale” is applied to the meshing of subjective experience with an external topography, so that particular external landmarks (such as houses, staircases, or trees) are integrated into one’s psyche, and affect its formation in the same way that certain vital experiences can. “…human consciousness is not so much determined... Continue Reading →
Jan Švankmajer's thoughts on Creativity, Alchemy and Surrealism I can’t imagine any form of creation, which doesn’t have a magical dimension. Or rather, I can, but it doesn’t interest me. Magic is a particular “active attitude to life”. However it is not just about mastering it, but transforming it because metamorphosis is the basis of every... Continue Reading →
Jan Švankmajer's description of his own creative process, 1985 What is your own personal definition of poetry? For me the concept of poetry coincides with imagination. And the potency of imagination for me is also an evaluative criterion for poetry, whatever its medium of expression is: i.e. a pen, a brush or touch. It is... Continue Reading →
Jan Švankmajer on FOOD Although we called our exhibition Food, it doesn’t mean that we consider what we do as some kind of “ nourishment for the spirit” or that we will be serving goulash in our exhibition, but because food is a short, easily comprehensible word, while the function it describes is practiced universally.... Continue Reading →
A Poem by Jan Švankmajer The novice is isolated in a dark room He has to leave his hands submerged in a black ointment Meanwhile bandages from finely chopped stinging nettles and goose fat are alternatively applied to his back. The sole of his left foot is touching the surface of hot water The sole... Continue Reading →
Tactility and Film Jan Švankmajer's interview, with Tereza Stehlíková 2011 1. What methods do you consciously employ in order to make your films more tactile? I have in mind both in pre-production [choice of location, experiments], production, and post-production [particular methods of editing etc]? Until my first experiments with tactile objects I was unaware about... Continue Reading →
Decalogue by Jan Švankmajer 1. Remember there is only one form of ‘poetry’. The opposite of poetry is professional expertise. Before you start making a film, write a poem, paint a picture, create a collage, write a novel, essay etc. Only by cultivating your ability for universal expression will you ensure you will produce a... Continue Reading →
Tactile artwork by the great Czech filmmaker Jan Svankmajer. This image comes from his Dimensions of Dialogue retrospective, which took place in Prague, Dum U Zvonu, 2012/13
Cinesthetic feasts 