Ivo Chovanec
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Applied Arts School in Prague, an exhibition will take place in the spaces of the UMPRUM Technology Center featuring one of the prominent alumni of the school, sculptor Ivo Chovanec. His work is characterized by rounded shapes and sculptural, often experimental work with ceramic material. The retrospective curatorial selection was prepared by the rector of UMPRUM, Jindřich Vybíral.
Prof. Ivo Chovanec (1945) graduated in 1974 from the studio of Josef Malejovský and Zdeněk Kovář, and his works are represented in both domestic and international collections. He worked at the University of Ostrava and led the SUPŠ of Saint Agnes of Bohemia in Český Krumlov.
Chovanec's work conceptually and stylistically connects to the organic sculptures of modernist sculptors from the 1940s and 1950s. However, materially, it deviates from this tradition, choosing a sturdy and durable chamotte material that provides him with ideal conditions for working with significant form and surface. The technique of grinding and polishing burnt objects plays an important role here, creating a characteristic structure. Through this approach, the author transcends the boundaries of ceramic modeling and moves closer to a sculptural method of working with the material. The subsequent surface treatments, from glazing to patination with oxides, have also become inseparable features of Ivo Chovanec's work.
The sculptor's specific handwriting is described by the exhibition curator, rector of UMPRUM, Prof. Jindřich Vybíral, as follows: "Many of Chovanec's objects do not look as if they were created by the hand of an artist, but as if natural forces operated through the author. The works resemble stones polished by the elements or waves, crusts of aquatic or terrestrial creatures, pits of various fruits, possibly even ancient woods or monuments of ancient civilizations. Similarly, his vertical objects evoke the idea of geological structures, tower-like constructions of termites, or ancient totems."
Chamotte becomes not only a basic component but also a driving force in Chovanec's creation. Its durability, flexibility, formability, and the material's reaction to firing serve as stimuli for the creative process and a deliberate technological challenge. Every detail has its place and significance in his work, and nothing is left to chance. His sculptures appear calm and compositionally balanced; through a long process and the artist's discerning eye, they are stripped of all excess.
The retrospective exhibition of Ivo Chovanec will take place in the spaces of the UMPRUM Technology Center parallel to the exhibition of another alumnus and educator of significant importance to the school, graphic artist František Burant. Both exhibitions will be open for visits until November 2.
Curator: Jindřich Vybíral
Graphic design: Žofia Kosová
Architecture: Lujza Lehocká, Matěj Peterka
Installation: Extended, Revyko
Production: Šárka Vánová
Prof. Ivo Chovanec (1945) graduated in 1974 from the studio of Josef Malejovský and Zdeněk Kovář, and his works are represented in both domestic and international collections. He worked at the University of Ostrava and led the SUPŠ of Saint Agnes of Bohemia in Český Krumlov.
Chovanec's work conceptually and stylistically connects to the organic sculptures of modernist sculptors from the 1940s and 1950s. However, materially, it deviates from this tradition, choosing a sturdy and durable chamotte material that provides him with ideal conditions for working with significant form and surface. The technique of grinding and polishing burnt objects plays an important role here, creating a characteristic structure. Through this approach, the author transcends the boundaries of ceramic modeling and moves closer to a sculptural method of working with the material. The subsequent surface treatments, from glazing to patination with oxides, have also become inseparable features of Ivo Chovanec's work.
The sculptor's specific handwriting is described by the exhibition curator, rector of UMPRUM, Prof. Jindřich Vybíral, as follows: "Many of Chovanec's objects do not look as if they were created by the hand of an artist, but as if natural forces operated through the author. The works resemble stones polished by the elements or waves, crusts of aquatic or terrestrial creatures, pits of various fruits, possibly even ancient woods or monuments of ancient civilizations. Similarly, his vertical objects evoke the idea of geological structures, tower-like constructions of termites, or ancient totems."
Chamotte becomes not only a basic component but also a driving force in Chovanec's creation. Its durability, flexibility, formability, and the material's reaction to firing serve as stimuli for the creative process and a deliberate technological challenge. Every detail has its place and significance in his work, and nothing is left to chance. His sculptures appear calm and compositionally balanced; through a long process and the artist's discerning eye, they are stripped of all excess.
The retrospective exhibition of Ivo Chovanec will take place in the spaces of the UMPRUM Technology Center parallel to the exhibition of another alumnus and educator of significant importance to the school, graphic artist František Burant. Both exhibitions will be open for visits until November 2.
Curator: Jindřich Vybíral
Graphic design: Žofia Kosová
Architecture: Lujza Lehocká, Matěj Peterka
Installation: Extended, Revyko
Production: Šárka Vánová
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