Place: Semily
Born: 1946
Biography:
Magdalena Jetelová, a renowned Czech installation artist and land artist, has been making waves in the art world since her early days. Born on June 4, 1946, in Semily, Czech Republic, she has achieved international acclaim for her thought-provoking environmental installation works. Jetelová's work combines light, architecture, photography, sculpture, and installation to explore the relationship between humans, objects, and space.
Jetelová studied sculpture at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts from 1965-71. She also briefly studied abroad at the Brera Academy in Milan from 1967-68, where she worked under the Italian sculptor Marino Marini. This exposure to different artistic styles and techniques has significantly influenced her work.
Some of Jetelová's notable works include Marking by Red Smoke, Prague, which explores themes of power and dominance in public spaces. Her iconic sculpture Place, commonly known as "The Giant's Chair", was installed at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail in 1986. This monumental work was originally intended to last a short time before being set on fire, but it remained on its hilltop position for 29 years and was visited by millions of visitors from all over the world. Jetelová has also experimented with outdoor light and laser projection, creating large-scale wooden sculptures of tables and chairs. Her work Domestication of the Pyramid is a prime example of her unique style, where she placed a pyramid made of red quartz sand inside the architecturally ornate Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna. This work served as a visual metaphor for the Western tradition of taking over public spaces.
Jetelová's work has been exhibited in various prominent galleries internationally, including Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Tate Gallery London, Museum of Modern Art, 21er Haus, and the Martin-Gropius-Bau. Her work is also in the collection of Hirschorn Museum, the Centre Pompidou, and the Museum Ludwig.
Jetelová's work continues to inspire and challenge our perceptions of public spaces, making her a significant figure in the world of environmental installation art. Her unique blend of light, architecture, photography, sculpture, and installation has made her a pioneer in this field, and her work will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations of artists.