Viewed from the perspective of artists’ books and bibliophilism, a book is considered to be a unique work of art in which the text is integrated with visual, typographic and haptic properties. It is a medium in which materials, visual concepts, and artistic originality all play a role. The exhibition explores the visual aspect of books as manifested in independent works of art with relevance to this topic.

The Gallery of Fine Arts is actively expanding a relatively new collection that pursues these ideals and showcases rare items which until just a few years ago were not a primary focus of interest. In 2024 we presented a unique ensemble of works by Toyen, and last year we built on this foundation with a remarkable new acquisition – Marcel Duchamp’s Green Box. Forming the centrepiece of the exhibition, this work is an unprecedented and unique item in the collections of Czech public institutions.

Exhibitied authors: Eliška Čabalová, Josef Čapek, Jiří David, Marcel Duchamp, Ferdiš Duša, Emil Filla, Alena Foustková, Urban Janke, František Kobliha, Dáša Lasotová, Emil Orlik, Adriena Šimotová, Jindřich Štyrský, Toyen, Jan Wojnar

Curator: Jiří Jůza
Text: Jiří Jůza
Translation: Christopher Hopkinson
Graphic design: Katarína Jamrišková

The patron of the exhibition is Peter Harvánek, the Moravian-Silesian Region’s Councillor for Culture and Heritage Management.
The project is financially supported by Czech Ministry of Culture.