MeetFactory is hosting a discussion today on the topic of normalization in architecture

MeetFactory is hosting a discussion as part of the Film Club. The program will feature the documentary film "Invaders and Herons" about normalization architecture and the artistic works associated with it. After the screening, there will be a lecture by Pavel Karous titled "Normalization Sculpture / Sculpture in Public Space of the 70s and 80s," which will also touch on the fate of the "Dálky" object by Jiří Novák located in the area of the Novodvorská cultural center in Prague 4.
The city office has drafted a proposal for a new solution for this space, in which Novák's object is no longer included. In the subsequent debate, we would like to attempt to answer questions such as: Does it make sense to preserve normalization buildings and art pieces, or is it better to remove them? Can we demolish art works?
The discussion will include the author of the Dálky work, architects of the Novodvorská complex, and an expert on copyright. Representatives from the City Office for Prague 4, the architect of the new solution for the KC Novodvorská ground floor, etc. are also invited.
We would like to give space to as wide a range of opinions as possible.

Invaders and Herons
directed by: Rozálie Kohoutová
In the 1970s and 80s, Czech sculpture for public space experienced an extraordinary expansion. Statues and sculptures became a necessary part of new housing estates, polyclinics, department stores, manufacturing companies, and administrative buildings. Perhaps never in our history have so many competitions been organized for artistic works intended to beautify and aesthetically enliven public spaces. The state thus ensured lucrative work for trained sculptors, seeking to gain their loyalty while also using them for its own promotion.
What condition are normalization sculptures and sculptures in today, and how has their surroundings changed? The documentary film "Invaders and Herons" investigates the history of individual works and the fate of their creators. It appears that amid a flood of tasteless sculptures and kitschy creations, we can also find quality realizations by renowned creators who occasionally succeeded in obtaining some state contracts. Are we today capable of recognizing and appreciating these artworks? And how have our ideas about public space changed over the past twenty years?

Admission: 50 CZK

Meetfactory
Ke Sklárně 15
150 00 Prague 5
www.meetfactory.cz