Exhibition Behind the Painting brings the acclaimed educational project Turčianské galerie to the Gočár Gallery; in 2022, this project was awarded the Biela kocka Jury Prize for its exceptionally innovative approach to engaging with the public. The Pardubice presentation follows the previous exhibition in Martin—but, expanded to include selected works from the Gočár Gallery’s collections, it also responds to the distinct local character, thereby creating a unique dialogue between works from both collections.

The main theme of the exhibition is ochre—one of humanity’s oldest colors. Here, ochre is not merely a color, but also a symbol of the earth, memory, landscape, and transformation. The exhibition presents works that engage with this color and its symbolism across time, connecting modern collections with contemporary art. 

The exhibition will be expanded by a site-specific interactive installation by Slovak artist Šimon Chovan, who works with ochre as a natural pigment and raises questions about our relationship to nature, materials, and place.

The project also includes a catalog presenting works from the collections of both galleries. Complemented by playful comic-style illustrations by artist Katarína Vido, it serves as a symbolic key “behind the image,” opening the way to the stories hidden within the artworks. 

Curator: Tamara Kubečková

Artists: Katarína Vido, Šimon Chovan

Main organizer: Turčianska Gallery in Martin

Co-organizer: Gočár Gallery in Pardubice