Curiosity, searching, discovery, identification, awareness, memories, a diary… All of this accompanies the works by Markéta Bábková in the exhibition Between Us. The paintings and prints, rendered in pastel colors, can evoke a sense of memories that remain etched in our minds. On the canvases, however, they take on clearer contours. The artist presents several layers of meaning here. 

One part consists of isolated still lifes—often overlooked, set aside, or carelessly discarded objects—that are intentionally enlarged to emphasize their importance. They represent a given situation or feeling that is captured in this way, and through the painting, it is possible to return to it. At first glance, a tuft of fabric, a fragile skeleton, or a sculpture. In reality, it is a piece of underwear. The very approach to painting can evoke both a state of mind and the intimate nature of a given moment.

Another series of paintings explores the theme of gifted objects, which are linked to experiences and specific stories. Sometimes it is a moment, a trifle, or a detail; other times, a deeply personal experience or ritual. An important motif here is sharing—whether with friends, family, or colleagues.

Time is of fundamental importance in Markéta Bábková’s works. And not only the time that passes within the paintings, but above all the time we spend with the paintings and prints and the time we devote to them ourselves. Very often, we need to slow down and learn to observe more closely. To examine every detail of the canvas, decipher what the eye actually sees, and consciously name it. Only then do we begin to recognize a corner of a bed with clothes laid out for a trip, crumpled pantyhose, a wreath of flowers, a gift bag concealing a piece of jewelry, a scrape on a leg, hamsters scurrying among picture books, or a piece of candy in a friend’s hands. The artist creates a portrait of herself using everything that surrounds her.

A striking element of the entire installation is the door. It represents an imaginary boundary between the outer and inner worlds, between what is known and what is yet to be discovered. Every time you walk through the door, you enter a new story—a world of memories, imaginings, and personal experiences. It’s also important to note that the exhibition’s title itself reinforces the relational layers that can not only be sensed but also directly seen in the individual works.

Between us, friends.
Between us and the outside world.
Between us and our memories.
Between what we keep to ourselves and what we are willing to share.

It is precisely in this “in-between” space that a dialogue emerges. A dialogue between the artist and the viewer, between the image and each of our own experiences. 

Curator: Pavlína Vyhnálková