The exhibition presents a compelling retrospective of Saudek’s life’s work and artistic vision. The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Helsinki, was introduced by Pavlína Saudková, the artist’s wife and art manager, who offered personal insight into Saudek’s creative journey.

Jan Saudek´s best-known work is noted for its hand-tinted portrayal of painterly dream worlds, often inhabited by nude or semi-nude figures surrounded by bare plaster walls or painted backdrops, frequently re-using identical elements (for instance, a clouded sky or a view of Prague‘s Charles Bridge). In this they echo the studio and tableaux works of mid nineteenth century erotic photographers, as well as the works of the painter Balthus and the work of Bernard Faucon. His early art photography is noted for its evocation of childhood. Later his works often portrayed the evolution from child to adult (re-photographing the same composition/pose, and with the same subjects, over many years). Religious motives or the ambiguity between man and woman have also been some of Jan Saudek‘s recurring themes. His work was the subject of attempts at censorship in the West during the 1990s. Some of the works of Jan Saudek have entered popular culture in the West, being used as covers for the albums of Anorexia Nervosa (New Obscurantis Order), Soul Asylum (Grave Dancers Union), Daniel Lanois (For the Beauty of Wynona) and Beautiful South (Welcome to the Beautiful South). / Source: Catalogue Saudek

The Helsinki exhibition not only commemorates Saudek’s remarkable 90 years, but also affirms his lasting influence on the world of photography and visual art. His unique fusion of photography and painterly expression continues to challenge conventions and captivate audiences across generations and continents.

The exhibition has been kindly sponsored by VAFO Group, a leading European producer of superpremium pet food.

Photo: Czech Embassy in Helsinki