Jiří Balcar | Film Posters in Painting and Collage | 1959–1967

Jiří Balcar (1929–1968) undoubtedly ranks among the most renowned Czech artists of the 1950s and 1960s. He was one of the few who critically reflected the state of Czechoslovak society in his work. His painting and graphic work is extensive, and his film posters and book covers are among the best of their time.

A large part of the original designs for film, theater, and exhibition posters has been preserved. In many cases, variations have even survived, which are highly interesting because they show the process, the individual inspirational steps in creating a poster work. Many variants are true competitors, and not always was the best one chosen for print – for whatever reasons; this was decided by a committee whose verdict Balcar had to accept. The techniques he used are also quite interesting: besides actual painting, in which Balcar the painter is not denied, there are also drawings, collages, and montages. This is a quality that rivals his free work. In confrontation with the final printed posters, the viewer at the exhibition and the reader of the book catalog is a direct witness to the creation of the work, which is absolutely exceptional.