Radoslav Kratina

Place: Prague

Born: 1946

Death: 2018

Biography:

Radoslav Kratina was a Czech artist born in Prague in 1946 and died in 2018. He was a sculptor and painter known for his work in concrete art, and a founding member of the UB 12 group. Kratina's sculptures are characterized by their use of geometric shapes and moving parts, which represent a radicalization of form that breaks away from traditional concepts of sculpture.

Early Life and Career

Kratina was born into a family of artists and was exposed to the world of art from an early age. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where he developed his skills as a sculptor and painter. In the 1960s, Kratina became a sought-after collaborator of architects, and his work was exhibited in various international exhibitions.

Artistic Style

Kratina's artistic style is characterized by the use of concrete and geometric shapes. His sculptures are often composed of moving parts, which create a sense of dynamism and energy. This style is reminiscent of the works of other famous artists, such as Frantisek Kupka, who was a pioneer of abstract art and Orphic Cubism (Orphism). Kratina's work can be seen in the context of the Concretism art movement, which emerged in the 1950s and 1960s.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Some of Kratina's notable works include his sculptures, which are characterized by their use of geometric shapes and moving parts. His work has been exhibited in various international exhibitions, including those at the Museum Kampa in Prague. The museum is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art, and features works by famous artists such as Zdeněk Sýkora and Stanislav Kolíbal. Key aspects of Kratina's work:

• Use of concrete and geometric shapes
• Moving parts in sculptures
• Radicalization of form, breaking away from traditional concepts of sculpture
• Collaboration with architects in the 1960s

Legacy and Persecution

Kratina's work was not without its challenges. After the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia and the so-called normalization, Kratina lost the possibility to exhibit his work and became one of the most persecuted Czech artists. Despite this, his legacy lives on, and his work continues to be celebrated by art lovers around the world. For more information about Radoslav Kratina and his work, visit Radoslav Kratina or Vladimír Janoušek on Wikipedia. You can also explore the collection of modern and contemporary art at the Museum Kampa, which features works by famous artists such as Zdeněk Sýkora and Stanislav Kolíbal.