The theme of underworld characters in the form of poachers, drunks and prostitutes, as well as mythical ferrymen and rulers of the underworld has permeated visual art since time immemorial. Painters, sculptors, poets and writers have always been interested in the fate of people on the edge of society, in the imaginary underworld. The term “underworld”, however, has a double meaning –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and the artist is equally attracted to its representation as a mythological place where souls go after death. 

The exhibition presents works by contemporary artists who elaborate both of these levels of the underworld motif in their specific artistic language. The works on display depict thieves and dealers as well as ferrymen and gods. The wide range of works and the variety of their conceptions confirm that the underworld is not just one motif among many, but a constant source of inspiration.

Exhibiting:

Patrik Adamec, Adéla Baštýřová, Jiří Baštýř, Aleš Brázdil, Andros Foros, Martin Gerboc, Petr Hajdyla, Tomáš Jetela, Alžběta Josefy, Tomáš Kurečka, Filip Kůrka, Martin Mulač, Nikola Emma Ryšavá, Tomáš Roubal, Jan Slanina, Tomáš Skála, Emil Taschka, Jan Uldrych, Annemarie Vardanyan, Jan Vytiska