The steel work Acqua, shaped like a drop, created by Jan Kaplický, which was rediscovered last year after 20 years by architect Norman Foster, will be on display in Prague from Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The several-meter-high object, weighing about 1.5 tons, will be exhibited for a year in the Bastion above Folimanka Park as part of the Sculpture Line project. This was confirmed by the project's director, Ondřej Škarka. Kaplický created the steel work for the Milan Triennale 20 years ago, and it also appeared at the Venice Biennale in 2004. Foster noticed the piece in an Italian factory last year and contacted Kaplický's widow. The object will be accessible to the public during the opening hours of the adjacent restaurant, daily from 11:00 AM to midnight.
"The drop was stored at the studio after the exhibitions, where it originated, and it was forgotten there for 20 years. Then the world-renowned architect Norman Foster noticed it and contacted Eliška Kaplický Fuchsová to see if she would like to bring the work to the Czech Republic," said project spokesperson Martin Roháček. Kaplický Fuchsová then approached Art Lines, which organizes the Sculpture Line project. The object was brought to the Czech Republic in January, where it was restored by sculptor Lukáš Rais.
The work consists of three larger parts, with a steel inner structure coated in stainless steel. Kaplický's signature is evident in the organic, natural shape. "When you look at it, you see stainless steel squares that the shell is welded from. It was not the intention to create a perfect clean surface, nor was it polished to a mirror finish, which Jan Kaplický did on other objects. Here, the material is more acknowledged," said Škarka.
Kaplický created the object on commission for an Italian exhibition. Ten architects and designers were to present what kiosks of the future would look like. Kaplický was to create a water kiosk, hence the drop shape. The object features holes where bottles of water were inserted during the exhibition. At the end of the object, there was also a space for ice.
The architect's work will be at the Bastion, and additionally, a work by sculptor Jakub Flejšar will also be exhibited at the same location.
Where the work will move in a year, Škarka does not know. "Several cities have expressed interest. I would be happy if it remains in the Czech Republic. It is also not excluded that it might end up in some foreign institution. The object is currently in private ownership," added Škarka.
Kaplický became famous for designs that are both eye-catching and controversial. They often reflected his inspiration from hi-tech architecture or various forms found in nature. Kaplický, who lived in Britain for many years, realized his most famous buildings there. In his homeland, he did not receive the opportunity to fully showcase his talent. For the Czech Republic, Kaplický designed the building of the National Library in Letná, which caused significant controversy, and the concert hall in České Budějovice. Neither structure has been realized to date. He passed away suddenly on January 14, 2009, in Prague, coincidentally on the day his daughter was born. He was 71 years old.
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