The Brno Bishopric has selected the winning design for the statue of the apostles

Photo: Jan Dobrovolný

Brno - The art competition for the memorial to the apostles Cyril and Methodius was won by sculptor Vladimír Matoušek and architect Radim Horák. They designed a stylized stone group. The gap between the figures of the Solunian brothers takes the shape of the so-called patriarchal cross with two horizontal beams. The competition was announced by the Brno bishopric, which plans to place the statue near the cathedral on the Petrov hill in the center of Brno. The result was reported today by the spokesperson for the bishopric, Martina Jandlová.
    The bishops intend to unveil the sculpture in 2013 during the celebrations of the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of the apostles in Great Moravia. According to Jandlová, the bishopric does not yet know exactly how much the statue will cost and what materials the artists will use.
    There was great interest from artists in the competition. A total of 39 registered, and the eight-member jury ultimately evaluated 29 submitted proposals. The evaluation criteria included, according to Jandlová, primarily the originality of the work, as well as creativity, overall artistic level, suitability of the integration of the work into the designated space, and choice of materials.
    "The jury rated the winning proposal as a humble, contemporary, striking, and communicative solution that brings a distinctive shape into the context of the place, which will stand alongside the existing sculptures of St. Peter and Paul," Jandlová stated. Sculptor Matoušek lives in Brno and often draws from religious themes in his work. He is the author of a number of artworks located in chapels and churches, as well as outdoor sculptures.
    The Brno bishopric will offer interested parties the opportunity to view all evaluated proposals. They will be exhibited from May 4 to 11, 2012.
    The idea to create the memorial was brought forward by Brno Bishop Vojtěch Cikrle. "The construction of a memorial to the Moravian spiritual patrons in the Moravian metropolis is his long-term goal, with Petrov, as the city's dominant feature, being the most dignified place for the memorial," added Jandlová.
    Cyril and Methodius significantly contributed to the spread of Christianity in Great Moravia. Therefore, the Church commemorates them as the spiritual patrons of the land. The Byzantine emperor sent the Solunian brothers to the Slavs. Thanks to them, written literature developed in Great Moravia, and Slavic liturgy was established. The Church is preparing grand celebrations for the anniversary year 2013. The faithful hope for the participation of Pope Benedict XVI.