Sopko Jiří *1942

Untitled,1996

Sign. bottom right in pencil Sopko 96, oil on cardboard, 37,5 × 24,5 cm, mount, frame, glass
Since the 1960s, Jiří Sopek's paintings have been among the the most significant manifestations of Czech new figuration and absurd grotesque, characteristic for the Central European area. Jiří Sopek's distinctive talent as a painter and colourist Sopek absorbed various influences, especially British Pop Art. In the early days of the influence of the Belgian expressive symbolist artist James Ensor, particularly in his distinctive and vibrant colour palette, with his signature short brushstrokes and a focus on darkly grotesque panopticon of the human race. Sopko's work has always been linked to the current social situation and responded to it with critical commentary, existential anguish, ironic sarcasm, but also affectionate humour. In the 1970s in the 1970s, at a time when Sopko was practically prevented from exhibiting and to work publicly, his work took a turn towards a more solid outline of characters, whom he depicts with mockery but also with understanding, and at the same time 28 Kokolia Vladimír *1956 Czech Central Highlands II, 1977 signed on the reverse V. Kokolia, České středohoří 1977, oil on canvas, 46 × 36 cm, frame 55 000 CZK 2 162 VLADIMIR KOKOLIA enters the oppressive absurdity of the times and the deteriorating social situation. In the paintings, disembodied human heads begin to appear, which tend to be variously manipulated, or have a look of horror and screams on their faces. Paintings by Jiří Sopek from this period are highly sought after and are usually part of gallery collections.