Hardcover with dust jacket.

Viktor Kolář is the most prominent “urban photographer” in the Czech Republic. Apart from the years 1969–1973, which he spent in Canada (where he created the outstanding series New World Encounters), the artist has devoted himself—with few exceptions—to Ostrava, his hometown and at the same time a symbol of communist progress accompanied by environmental devastation and the corruption of the human soul. This is a city that Kolář portrays with a love-hate relationship.

He continues the humanistic tradition and adheres to the demanding style of capturing decisive moments. He almost exclusively photographs in streets and public spaces. In addition to his unparalleled craftsmanship, he surprises with inventive compositions, though all of this is secondary. Although he captures the unique character of this mining town, he also notices some of the distinctive traits of urban society, especially alienation.

His philosophy and experiences are close to existentialism. He does not strive for either the subjectivization or objectivization of the documentary, as has been in vogue in recent years and decades; instead, he occupies a unique position as a philosophizing and introspective sage, capable of revealing more through his photographs than others. In this way, he transforms himself—not by expanding into new fields of photography, but by deepening his exploration. He endeavors for the lens of his camera to reveal the visual essence of the human world through states, symbolic functions, gestures, and configurations that raise questions and draw attention to relationships and problems.

A significant portion of his work revolves around the relationship between temporality and eternity, culture and the anthropological constant in human behavior. The images Kolář discovers are akin to his unique verbal communication. He is inspired by anything and, with inexhaustible thoroughness, is able to examine a particular motif from various aspects until he reaches its very core. Yet he does not concern himself with anything trivial.

The artist was awarded the “Personality of Czech Photography 2010” prize and is regarded as one of the most significant Czech photographers. His extensive book Ostrava, dedicated to his hometown and depicting it throughout his active life, is ranked among the best photographic publications issued in the Czech Republic.

Pages: 204
Place: Praha
Year: 2010
Publisher: KANT
Size: 29 x 29 cm (approx.)

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