Home Bittersweet Home

Still life remains one of the most frequently depicted subjects in fine art. Its enduring vibrancy and continuous evolution attest to its timelessness. This genre has undergone significant development, not only in form but also in content, and it is fascinating to see how it continues to resonate not only with its creators but also with its audience. Traditional motifs, once painted from models with specific references, symbolism, or historical context, are now often replaced by objects of personal significance to the artist, yet these can still resonate on a universal level.

Matěj Janák (*1988) is an artist for whom the motif is vital, and his expressive painting technique is distinctively characteristic. His current style has evolved from extensive experience in graffiti, where he refined his skill of linear representation, monumental scale, and rapid expressive execution. Transitioning from the limitless areas of public spaces to the confines of the studio, Janák brings the contents of his personal inventory to the canvas with intent. A vase with flowers on the table, a push-button mobile phone, or a basketball – these recurring motifs in his work are explored through increasingly varied formal executions.Certain ‘points of reference’ in his paintings are not just personally significant objects but also serve as vehicles for emotional expression. Janák’s frequent revisitation of these motifs allows for an ongoing examination of their formal representation and an enduring engagement with the theme. In this repetition lies a distinctive and recognizable evolution of Janák’s dynamic artistic style. 

The nostalgia invoked by Janák’s work is perceivable through several senses. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but there seems to be a scent element present as well. His sensitive use of colour and form anchors universally accessible motifs onto the canvas, making the viewer feel as though they are gazing into their own personal realm. The inclusion of the push-button telephone alongside a floral arrangement marks a specific era, that is defined by this technological object, evokes a return to a time long gone and conjures generational memories, which may not always be pleasant. This duality is echoed in the title of the exhibition ‘Home Bittersweet Home.’ It alludes to the home as a sanctuary. Home as a starting point for each new day, which may not always unfold pleasantly but nonetheless shapes us more than the sum of our enjoyable experiences. Home as a refuge from the pitfalls that await beyond. Such a place needs to be tended; bad experiences must be aired out, and the flowers must be watered.

24. 11. 2023 – 24. 2. 2024

Translation: Anastasia Jegorová

Photo: Mates Prochazka