Jan Slanina – Gestures of the Times

The exhibition Gestures of the Times at Galerie Okraje is the first comprehensive gallery project by Jan Slanina and presents a selection of multimedia works from the past two years. Slanina’s artistic practice has long revolved around historically significant social themes while also reflecting current global phenomena.

The thematic core of the exhibition is the gesture as a vehicle of nonverbal communication—a communicative element whose meaning changes over time and transforms into new forms of communication through technological means of expression. The artist approaches this phenomenon with detachment and a critical eye. Through his works, he reflects on various aspects of communication and means of communication—both past and present—as well as their growing integration into human life. The selection of works also addresses the use of the gesture as a tool of propaganda, political expression, and commercial communication.

Slanina’s work is characterized by its multilayered nature and parallel meanings. Individual works contain complex narrative threads and symbolic references that open up various levels of interpretation for the viewer. The result is a visually striking and intellectually stimulating statement, often presented with a satirical undertone.

Jan Slanina (*1995) is a student in the Intermedia Studio I, led by Milena Dopitová, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague (AVU). In his work, he focuses on new technologies in the context of significant social issues. His works often explore the relationship between labor, robotics, and artificial intelligence. His artistic practice also includes working with neon, which he shapes by hand.

Curator: Sarah Adnanová

The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Transforma festival.