The Smetana Art Litomyšl has started, showcasing works by Olbram Zoubek

Litomyšl (Svitavsko) – The exhibition festival Smetanova Výtvarná Litomyšl has begun today in Litomyšl, Svitavy. It includes an exhibition of sculptures by Eva Kmentová and Olbram Zoubek, which opened today. The festival will offer 25 exhibitions, events, and presentations until mid-October. It is a traditional accompanying event of the national music festival Smetanova Litomyšl, which will take place this year from July 1 to July 11.

"Smetanova Výtvarná Litomyšl is unique in the number of participating entities and concurrently organized exhibitions in the small town of ten thousand people," the organizers mentioned. Besides traditional displays in exhibition halls and galleries, artworks will also be visible outdoors.

The work of Kmentová and Zoubek is presented by the Miroslav Kubík Gallery in the exhibition Human Dignity. Kmentová and Zoubek were married, and the exhibition authors attempt to find moments of their mutual inspiration. The exhibition, comprising approximately 80 works, focuses on the period from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. Works by Zoubek include Guardians, Runner, and sculptures from the series Shot. From Kmentová, the pieces Abandoned Space, Human Egg, and steles with fingerprints and lips are displayed.

As part of the art festival, an exhibition on the history and future of the August Printing House in Litomyšl also began today, with its history dating back at least to the 15th century. The exhibition is in the garden of the printing house and shows plans for transforming the heritage-listed building into a cultural center. "The main focus of the building will be a permanent exhibition dedicated to Julius Mařák," said Michal Šimek from the Museum Society August Printing House regarding the future of the building.

In the Pakosta Gallery, glass reliefs by Andrea Stašková are on display starting today. From June 20, artist glassmaker Jiří Pačinek will have an exhibition of his works at various locations in Litomyšl. The Regional Museum in Litomyšl is preparing an exhibition of oils by writer, actress, and painter Iva Hüttnerová for June 19. In the City Gallery of Litomyšl at the U Rytířů house, Veronika Bromová will have an author exhibition titled Times Between Times starting from August 1.

Krištof Kintera is also preparing a seven-meter sculpture named Stick Prays for Litomyšl. It depicts a kneeling figure with hands clasped to the sky. It will be presented to the public on July 3.