The protein exposure at Hradčany is complemented by an exhibition of early sketches

Prague - A new exhibition of early sketches by the sculptor and graphic artist František Bílek is open from today in Prague's Hradčany district. The exhibition is held on the second floor of the building that Bílek constructed according to his own plans in 1910 and 1911. Since the 1960s, it has been managed by the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague. In the permanent exhibition, in addition to the original interior furnishings, Bílek's works from his peak creative period are presented.
    Bílek was primarily a sculptor and graphic artist, but his religious conception of art led him to the need to shape entire environments where his works could function in a multifaceted manner, fulfilling their mission of spiritualizing human life.
    According to Bílek, the Prague villa should express "Life as a field full of ripe ears of grain, providing sustenance for brothers every day. Many ears are bound into sheaves - a column. Some of the columns remain unfinished because they bear nothing." The segmented floor plan of the building can be read as the trace of a sickle harvesting grain. The shape of the columns, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian temple architecture, is also striking. Raw brick and roughly worked stone bring the work closer to nature and human labor. The irregularly arranged interior is dominated by a high studio as a natural working and spiritual center of the building.
    Bílek's villa was opened after renovation in September 2010, with the aim of its exhibition being to showcase the overall character of František Bílek's work through selected pieces. The selection of works captures all stages of Bílek's development and takes into account his ability to create a comprehensive work using various techniques, completing a symbolist project for the moral and aesthetic upliftment of humanity.