15/11/2021
We cordially invite you to the opening of the exhibition ESTER KRUMBACHOVÁ.
ESTER KRUMBACHOVÁ
24 November 2021 – 6 March 2022
of Arts Brno Facebook Instagram
Opening + ”K.A. T”, a performance by New Noveta with live sound piece by Vindicatrix and costumes by Gabriella Massey (Atelier Bâba) on Tuesday, 23 November at 6pm
This exhibition presents the previously unknown estate of Ester Krumbachová (1923–1996), an important director, screenwriter, author, artist, and designer of film and theatre costumes, grouping her work into interconnected thematic blocks: visitors will learn about her thoughts on costume creation, especially the role of details and use of colours; the relationship between meaning, visual form, and the overall atmosphere of a film; her work with text copying the spoken word and vernacular narration; and her relationship to magic, the universe, living organisms, cooking, love, death, subjectivity, male and female polarity, and the hierarchy of species as well as social and work positions. The exhibition is not a historical cross-section of Ester Krumbachová’s work (although it does reflect this), but rather an extensive network of original material, the many texts, images, and artifacts with which Krumbachová occupied and surrounded herself throughout her life. Her paintings and drawings, costume designs, jewellery, letters to friends (and cats), diaries, and private photographs are presented here. The exhibition thus represents both a reflection of influences and themes from her time and a diverse universe of multilayered and very original thought.
The archive also appears as a series of notes and sketches that remain open and incomplete. The exhibition thus aims not just to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of Krumbachová’s work, but also to show her work and way of thinking as a fully lively, dynamic, and inspiring environment for contemporary artists, designers, theorists, and historians of art and culture. Accordingly, the curators’ view on Ester Krumbachová’s work is constructed from a contemporary perspective, and the exhibition was prepared in collaboration with several contemporary artists who have interpreted Ester Krumbachová’s work and life or applied similar lines of thought in their own work – for example, thinking through today’s positions on feminism; the rights of animals, plants, and other entities and ways of displaying them; culture; fashion; methods working with the inseparable intertwining of content and expressive form; and methods of direction in the broadest sense of the word.
The exhibit is a space for establishing dialogue not just between past and present artistic work and explosive creativity, but also between art and the plant and animal kingdoms – because the exhibition will also present cats available for adoption, in this interspecies atmosphere visitors can find a feline companion who will have Ester Krumbachová as their symbolic godmother.
Curators: Edith Jerabkova and Kateřina Svatoňová
Participating artists: Anna-Marie Berdychová, Jan Boháč & Anna Ročňová, Daniela & Linda Dostálková, David Fesl, Libuše Jarcovjáková, Jiří Kovanda, Beca Lipscombe & HIT & Morwenna Kearsley & Bernie Reid & Laura Richmond, Marek Meduna, New Noveta & Vindicatrix & Atelier Bâba
Portrét Ester Krumbachové v jejím bytě, 80. léta 20. století. Foto: Libuše Jarcovjáková.
Portrait of Ester Krumbachová in her apartment, 1980s. Photo: Libuše Jarcovjáková.
