Lot 191

Jiří John (1923 - 1972) LEAVES

The extensive wall work designed by Jiří John was created for the building of the Czechoslovak Embassy in Stockholm where it was installed in 1972. It is based on a graphic work from 1966 entitled Leaves, and similarly structured vegetation structures are represented in the thematic unit Leaves from 1970 and Grass from 1971 and 1972, where we find the last prints by Jiří John.The representative architecture, interior design and artistic decoration are considered the pinnacle of Czechoslovak brutalist "Gesamtkunswerk" of the post-war era. All the realisations that emerged from these competitions were exceptional in their complex artistic programme. Representative architecture of this type was financially supported by the state, and thanks to the considerable resources, the buildings could be realized in high quality, including custom-designed furnishings and artworks. Jiří John is considered a leading representative of the Czech art scene of the 1960s. His mature artistic expression blended the influence of nature, matter and light.

Published: Zemina, J.: John. Arbor Vitae, 2019. P. 132