Competition for the Contextual Change of the Statue of Zdeněk Nejedlý in Litomyšl

Some have proposed its removal, others its relocation, while some wish to keep it as a historical memento. As shown by the reactions, even the placement of an explanatory plaque next to the statue shortly after the Velvet Revolution is not regarded by some inhabitants as a sufficient conclusion to the past. The plaque with the text of historian Milan Skřivánek “…Zdeněk Nejedlý /1878–1962/ both enriched and damaged Czech culture, honored and harmed his native city, which values good and rejects his bad deeds” is criticized for not adequately reflecting that Zdeněk Nejedlý was a significant historian, musicologist, organizer of cultural events, but also a high-ranking politician and communist minister who actively participated in the direction of our homeland in the 1950s. For these reasons, and after debates with critics and proponents of the placement of this artwork, the council approved the announcement of a public art competition for the design of the area around the statue.

The competition brief clearly states that artists may not alter the existing statue. The bronze work by Jan Hána will be preserved because it is meant to remind us of the time in which Zdeněk Nejedlý was one of the representatives. Artists should now supplement the commemorative statue and create a new place that reflects the period from 1948 to 1989, for example, in the form of a dignified memento of an era that must not be forgotten. The work should remind us of how important it is to maintain society on democratic and moral principles and should "speak" about the dangers of power and the cult of the individual. Artists may unleash their imagination, as they can nominate proposals implemented in any manner, means, and media.

The selected artwork is to become a permanent part of the given location, and from its placement, the council hopes that the existence of two works of art, which reflect totalitarianism from different perspectives, will engage the younger generation and students will think about this topic. The size of the work and the manner of its conceptualization are not precisely specified in the competition; the only limitations are the space around the statue, which the new work must fit into, and the requirement for the durability and resistance of the work to climate. The first round of the competition will end on August 31, 2018.

The expert committee includes historians, artists, architects, and a representative of the Confederation of Political Prisoners. Its members will select the projects advancing to the second round.

You can find the competition conditions on the website:

https://www.litomysl.cz/?lang=cz&co=vyberova_rizeni&akce=detail&id=1522149798597