"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 perceives his art as a meditation on life. The seemingly naive and charming depiction of sacred themes actually conceals dramas that the author conveys in a distinctive 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 method of artistic language that touches upon the very semantics of the term "Andachtsbild," a devotional image.
About the exhibition
EXHIBITION: Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise
DATE: June 4 – October 18, 2026
OPENING: June 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
VENUE: Archdiocesan Museum Olomouc, Gallery
AUTHORS OF CONCEPT AND CURATORS: Miriam Kolářová, Jan Šícha
PROFESSIONAL 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 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 perfectionism. He repaints and shifts figures and objects, and often considers a painting unfinished 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 perceives. Jan Knap brings vividness to the rigid world of symbols and imbues it with a certain tenderness. With him, we look at the sacred, which naturally leads us to inner contemplation. Anagogical light emanates from Knap's paintings – it compels us to aspire upwards, to something beyond us. Knap's artistic expression thus carries the old synecdochical function of sacred images – communicating the mystery of salvation.
publications and guide
A companion publication with rich written and pictorial material accompanies the exhibition. It features expert voices and friends, older drawings indicate the author's development, reproductions of paintings invite one to Paradise and demonstrate his unmistakable painting style.
Visitors can use an audio guide 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 u Mariánských Lázní in a Gothic house he restored.
Before that, 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
Jun 4 – Oct 18, 2026
