When I Hear You Say It, I Have Joy in My Eyes

6. 10. – 28. 11. 2021
opening: 5. 10. 2021 from 6pm

artists: Natalie Perkof, Kateřina Zochová,
Jan Karpíšek, Luděk Míšek

curators: Sráč Sam and Denisa Bytelová

It is difficult to believe, when faith represents a search for the forms of our ongoing reality

Esotericism is often perceived and classified as existing on the very borders of sci-fi, as the vision of a lunatic, or treated with disrespect. To believe is to be accused of weirdness. Faith is tolerated with a  smirk, the mystic is the target of ridicule. If we sense the truth of something unproven by evidence, do we thereby become part of the occult world? Are we free to talk about it polite company? If we believe in a factually formal territorial faith, we are established believers with the benefits of all traditions and rituals. If we hold a different belief, we cannot abandon our convictions even in order to acquire the same benefits referred to above for fear of being attacked and mocked. The objection that concealment and mystery contain a taste of adventure is simply another in a series of ostracisms. However, if the search for shelter becomes an everyday matter, it does not reveal other paths, it simply constricts us and creates anxiety. To believe without permission, to believe in an ordinary way, to believe in art. By presenting the work of Luďek Míšek, Natalie Perkof, Kateřina Zochová and Jan Karpíšek I offer an insight into the esotericism of artists who naturally and comprehensively include their faith in their artworks. By exhibiting even unfinished works, I offer greater insight into the source of the thinking behind which all the expectations of belonging reside. I approach the possibilities of clinging (upādāna) at the moment we think and feel.

SrS

The first thought in the search for a civil esotericist in art was Josef Váchal. In his life and work this iconic mystic introduced both the general public and experts to the many approaches and interpretations that were to influence his conduct. Váchal’s body, mind and work experienced both a lack of interest on the part of the public, ignorance and direct persecution, as well as committed research and folk fetishisation. It was this indifference, aggression and excessive curiosity that led us to examine the current situation regarding the widespread perception of artists.

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The program of the Cursor Gallery is possible through kind support of Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Prague City Council, State Fund of Culture of the Czech Republic, City District Prague 7, GESTOR – The Union for the Protection of Authorship
Partners: Kostka stav
Media support: ArtMap, jlbjlt.net, UMA: You Make Art