Dancing House showcases Kája Saudek

A large retrospective of illustrator Kája Saudek’s work is on display at the Dancing House Gallery (Galerie Tančící dům) in Prague until Sept. 29.

This new exhibition, called From Cars to Women (Od Aut po Ženy) follows the successful exhibition Kája Saudek 18+, held in 2015, which focused on Saudek’s erotic drawings.

In From Cars to Women, several hundred original works present the main themes of the “King of Czech Comics.” Visitors can see images from his comics as well as previously unknown erotic works from his estate. His work was characterized by a solid dynamic line, distinctive humor, fun labels and an American style of drawing.

The exhibition is spread over three floors in the Dancing House. The ground floor is a replica of the Saudek.'s studio, which is equipped with personal items, furniture, books and, last but not least, many paintings lent by his family.

Another floor is dedicated to the erotic work, including a giant matchbox with male genitalia, and is only accessible to visitors over 18 years of age.

The exhibition tries to presents a comprehensive view of one of the most important Czech artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. There are drawings from the 1950s up to some of the last paintings from around 2005. Works are from comic, film, oil painting and other disciplines.

The show includes, for example, the iconic posters for Barbarella (1968) and Four Murders Are Enough, Darling (1970). These are complemented by period prints, 3D objects, photographs and videos.

Part of the exhibition will be devoted to the creation of the 1950s to ’60s. In this section, party of a real Saudek scooter from this era will be displayed accompanied by private photographs.

Kája Saudek (1935–2015) was a distinguished Czech painter and comic artist. His career ended in 2006, when an accident left him in a coma. His twin brother is photographer Jan Saudek.

For more information visit www.galerietancicidum.cz or www.facebook.com/events