During this semester, I want to focus my writing on art during the period of suppression in Czechoslovakia. Art is meant to be a manifestation of freedom and expression, and I would like to see how artists reacted to the conformist ideologies in their country. I'll likely do this through a blog, and will post research, art pieces, and reactions. The questions I'm currently most interested in are how artists expressed unpopular ideas during this time (Did they only show their work to certain circles of trusted people? Did they create art that appeared to be conformist, but actually had a second meaning?), and how conformist did artists actually become (Despite their passion being defined by free thinking)?
Nice to see you jump right into the class, Quinn! This is a great topic, and I've actually seen an exhibit or two in Prague right down this line, but it may be a challenge to execute from Beloit, WI. But don't be discouraged. You might want to start looking at the praguepost.com in the arts sections, and contacting the museums in Prague for catalogs. Try http://www.dox.cz/en/ and http://www.ngprague.cz/en/5/sekce/veletrzni-palace/. There were several wonderful photographers working during this period too. I have a couple of their books. If I'm not mistaken, a lot of painters went abstract during this period. In any case, a great topic and good luck with it.
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