Contemporary Czech Art in Berlin

In the latest episode of the Contemporary Czech Art in Berlin podcast, Simona Binko sits down with Czech photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková, curator Lucie Černá, and film director Klára Tasovská to discuss the powerful photographic series T-Club, which captures the underground LGBTQ+ scene in 1980s Prague. The conversation explores the exhibition’s significance, the success of the award-winning documentary film, Jarcovjáková’s personal experiences behind the photos, and the lasting impact of these images today. Libuše shares the process behind her intimate portrayal of life in the T-Club, describing it as a rare moment of freedom amidst a repressive political landscape. She recounts how, after months of immersion in the space, she began photographing the vibrant yet hidden world that existed there. Her work offers a vivid and emotional snapshot of a marginalized community during a time of great societal pressure. Lucie discusses her curatorial approach to the T-Club exhibition in Berlin, emphasizing the importance of creating a space that captures the club’s atmosphere and the sense of liberation it provided. She highlights the success of the project, including the publication of a book and its continued international recognition. This success is also due to the documentary film Noch bin ich nicht, wer ich sein möchte, directed by Klára Tasovská, which brings Libuše’s photography to life, combining visual storytelling with Jarcovjáková’s diary entries and photographs. The film has been well received, not only in German cinemas but also internationally. It earned several film award nominations and won the Czech Lion Award for Best documentary feature and Best film editing. For those interested in Czech photography, queer history, or the interplay between personal and political storytelling, this episode offers a rich and compelling listen. T-Club – Just Like in Paradise is on view at KVOST until 19. 4. 2025, while Jarcovjáková’s retrospective at the National Gallery Prague runs through March. The film Noch bin ich nicht, wer ich sein möchte is currently screening in German cinemas. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the extraordinary work of a photographer who has fearlessly documented the unseen.

This episode highlights the artistic journey and innovative projects spearheaded by Czech artist Lucie Nováčková during her residency with Culterim in Biesenthal, Germany, initiated by the Czech Centre Berlin. Her project, Reunion, explored themes of connection, transformation, and self-discovery through a 430-kilometer pilgrimage from Prague to Berlin. Along the way, Lucie documented her experiences using journal entries and a textile map, merging traditional craft with conceptual artistry. She emphasized the parallels between physical movement and the act of sewing, using a red thread to metaphorically “embroider” the landscape. Her journey also delved into feminist perspectives, midlife reflection, and the intimate relationship between humans and their environment, drawing inspiration from Czech literary traditions and her personal history. Lucie's collaboration with her cousin, Berlin-based artist Klara Hobza, marked the culmination of Reunion. Their connection revealed striking similarities in their artistic approaches, such as exploring landscapes through physical experience—Lucie by walking, Klára through scuba diving European rivers to uncover hidden histories. Biesenthal, with its vibrant artistic community and tranquil natural surroundings, provided a supportive space for this project. Culterim residency program, which prioritizes collaboration and personal growth within a familial atmosphere, enriched Lucia’s experience. The initiative exemplifies the potential of creative residencies to foster deep artistic inquiry, intercultural exchange, and enduring bonds among artists. This was first year that the Czech Centres offered a two-month residency to an artist from Czechia in collaboration with Culterim and IDU, initiated by the Czech Centre Berlin as part of the long-term project Contemporary Czech Art in Berlin (CCAiB), which aims to promote mapping, information and connections in the field of contemporary visual art between the Czech Republic and Berlin/Germany.

Czech Centres partnered up with ZK/U to host an exciting artist-in-residence programme as part of the European CYCLE UP! Project, which connects artists, decision-makers, and community members who are passionate about climate change and sustainable urban mobility. This podcast episode features Anita Rind from ZK/U, an independent art residency and project space in Berlin, and resident artist Yeon Sung. Anita shares insights into ZK/U’s approach to supporting artists, researchers, and activists through urbanistic exploration and global-local connections. She also discusses ZK/U's vision and the impact of recent renovations, which have enhanced facilities and accessibility for community events and workshops. Yeon Sung introduces her project Cycling the Unknown, where she explores urban landscapes and pollution by using her bike as a "sensor." Her work engages with “weathering” and encourages the community to experience pollution firsthand. She reflects on her journey from the Netherlands to Berlin and shares how her art has been received across these unique cultural landscapes.

The podcast features Lena Fließbach and Natálie Černá from the Cycle Up! project. They share insights into promoting sustainability in cultural institutions. Cycle Up! connects artists, decision-makers, and communities who care about our climate to find creative ideas and solutions to bring more bicycles to our streets. Our guests discuss eco-conscious approaches in art residencies, such as emission reduction and local production, with examples like pollution-focused art in Berlin. The initiative collaborates with nonprofits and institutions to foster sustainable practices in the arts. More details are available on the Cycle Up website https://www.goethe.de/prj/cyc/en/index.html.