"A painting is a window into a deeper reality," says Jan Knap. Windows open up visible things to us that can move a person to see what lies beyond them. Knap conceives his art as a meditation on life. The seemingly naive and charming portrayal of sacred themes actually conceals dramas that the author conveys in a unique way — he uses Christian symbolism, which in his case can be called "contemplative iconography." This method allows the observer of the artwork to reflect on individual symbols separately, but in the context of the entire work, it reveals a higher meaning. It is an old way of artistic language that touches upon the very semantics of the concept of "Andachtsbild," a devotional image.
About the exhibition
EXHIBITION: Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise
DATE: 04 06 – 18 10 2026 (extended to 01 11 2026)
OPENING: 04 06 2026 at 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Archdiocesan Museum Olomouc, Gallery
CONCEPT AUTHORS AND CURATORS: Miriam Kolářová, Jan Šícha
EXPERT COLLABORATION: Gabriela Elbelová, Jana Hrbáčová, Miroslav Kindl, Martina Potůčková, Miroslav Schubert, Helena Zápalková
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION WORKS: Jakub Barna, Veronika Klimszová, Anna Píšťková
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kateřina Puncmannová
LANGUAGE EDITING: Zuzana Henešová
TRANSLATION: Kateřina Báňová
LENDERS: Jan Knap, Archbishopric of Olomouc, Diocese of Litoměřice, North Bohemian Gallery in Litoměřice, private lenders
Museum open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
Such an understanding of creation highlights the fact that Knap is known for his perfectionism. He repaints, shifts figures and objects, and often does not consider a painting finished for many years. He constantly strives for what he wants to express to be executed in the best possible way. In his perfectionism, we can see his humility and deep reverence for the mystery he contemplates. Jan Knap brings vividness into the rigid world of symbols and imbues it with a certain tenderness. We look with him at the sacred, which naturally leads us to inner contemplation. An anagogical light breathes from Knap's paintings – it compels us to aim upwards, towards something that transcends us. Knap's artistic expression thus carries the old synecdochic function of sacred images – communicating the mystery of salvation.
publications and guide
The exhibition is accompanied by a publication with rich written and visual material. Experts and friends contribute their voices, older drawings indicate the artist's development, reproductions of paintings invite to Paradise and demonstrate his unmistakable painting style.
Visitors can use an audio guide for the exhibition in the Cabinet of Wonders application, which can be downloaded to phones. Thanks to the use of AI, it is also possible to communicate with the electronic guide.
FOR ADULTS: audio guide to the exhibition "Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise"
FOR CHILDREN: audio guide to the exhibition "Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise"
Jan Knap (*1949)
The painter lives in Planá near Mariánské Lázně in a Gothic house he renovated.
Previously he lived in Germany, Brazil, USA, and Italy.
After fleeing Czechoslovakia in 1969, he studied with Gerhard Richter in Düsseldorf.
He achieved his first successes in Germany, followed by other countries, especially Italy.
He has exhibited in renowned galleries in Europe and the USA, and there is interest in his work in Japan and Taiwan.
Jan Knap is one of the most internationally successful Czech artists.
Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise
Ends in 13 days
