A Notable Conversation with Michal Trpák
Countrsey of the artist
Michal Trpák is a Czech sculptor, painter, and architect. His art has been exhibited in public spaces and galleries internationally. He is the founder of the Sculpture Line Festival in Prague and organizes the Art in the City exhibition in České Budějovice. I had the pleasure and honor to ask Michal about some of the influences when he is building, how he knows when his artwork is ready for display, and what he would like to be doing ten years from now.
UZOMAH: What was the inspiration for creating a sculpture exhibition in the public space of České Budějovice called ART IN THE CITY?
MICHAL: I like to work in public spaces and install my works in the context of architecture. Because of that, I decided to start this exhibition.
U: What kind of work is the mainstay of what you do?
M: I like to work with all kinds of materials and different topics. But mainly my work is figurative and related to present society.
Cuddlies - bronze
U: What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now?
M: I don't make ten years long plans. Anything is possible, but I hope I will still be exploring new materials, technologies and topics.
U: Of the four main techniques in sculpting, which do you tend to use the most and why?
M: I started as a stone sculptor, later on, I was more interested in modeling and casting in various materials. Now I am interested in metal and 3D printing. I like to use various techniques and artistic approaches.
Slight Uncertainty- fibre glass
U: What aspects artistically found in architecture drew you to pursue it?
M: I think many sculptors want to create a sculpture which you can enter and I think the building can be a liveable sculpture, have some sculpted surface and organic shapes. Also, it is not just about shape from the outside but also interior can be sculpted, designed in an artistic way, for me, it is a challenge and adventure to create sculpture with function.
U: Your paintings are very surreal also providing a 3D experience as if they are sculptures. What goes into presenting that artistically to the audience?
M: Lately, I did not paint much, but before when I did, I somehow needed the 3D form in it, the contrast of painted and “escaping” into living space as 3D form bringing the painting more to life and giving it a deeper experience to the audience.
U: Can you name some influences on how you design a building?
M: My designs of buildings are more like big sculptures which you can enter. Influences or inspiration come first from nature, second, there are few artists architects I like, for example, Antonio Gaudi, Friederick Hundertwasser, Javier Senosiain, Jan Kaplický...
Angels of the seas - steel
U: How is designing a building the same as making a work of art for you?
M: Designing is similar, but still it is about form and shape, colors and materials, but different in that comparing to sculpture it has to have a function and you have to care about many things which with sculpture it does not matter, Like insulation, plumbing and wiring, heating and so.
U: When do you know when your artwork is ready to be displayed in public? How do you prepare the art for any weather condition?
M: I have some ideas before I start working on the piece and when my work reaches the idea and I feel satisfied with the result; then it is ready. Sculpture for outdoor has to be made out of materials that survive the 4 seasons weather but sometimes I want the piece to get rusty or destroyed by sun and rain and in this case, I leave it without any protection or surface seal.
Feeling of freedom- fibre glass
U: How much of an impact has college impacted or influenced how you create?
M: I create for the joy of creating and for expressing my thoughts and ideas. My work is influenced by the life I live by what I see and do and all this is a puzzle of inspiration which at the end is the soul of new work.
To find out more about Michal’s work please visit his website or follow him on Instagram or visit his Facebook page.
