Bohemian artist Frantisek Kupka is the forefront mind behind the art form of Orphism. Orphism focuses on color and abstraction, similar to Cubism but also an “evolution” where abstract shapes are given precedence in contrast to solid, known geometric shapes. There are many examples of Orphism to see, spanning many years.
From the Brevnov Monastery to the modern-day Pilsner, the Czech people have been enjoying beer for over a thousand years. Known as the beer of tradition, Czech beer is ingrained into history itself. When beermaking was banned. the Brenov Monastery, as the first-ever Bohemian brewery, was exempt. Initially, after the ban on brewing ended, only noble families or homeowners were allowed to brew beer. It was in 1842 that the famous Pilsner was created.
Eliška Junková is the first woman to win the Grand Prix, in 1927. Even before, Junková was “Queen of the Steering Wheel,” a well-earned title that she worked towards since 1922. Her dedication to racing began with her dedication to her husband, Vincenc “Čenêk” Junek, whom she met at her job at the Prague Credit Bank.
After the death of Samo, there was uncertainty about the Czech and Moravian lands, but after the rise of Charlamange of the Frankish Kingdom, Moravians were able to recover. The princes of Moravia consolidated their power, and one in particular Mojmir I, rose beyond tribal institutions to establish Great Moravia. After Mojmir I's deposition, his nephew Rostislav became Louis the German's loyal vassal. In secret, however, Rostislav had ambitions beyond this.
Milada Horakova was an advocate for democracy, stuck between both the Nazis and Communists for her adult life. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, she resisted, helping emigrants escape and harboring fugitives of the occupiers. Although she faced torture and death from the Nazis, she not only survived but also continued her same fight, this time with the Soviets. Sadly, she was sentenced to death and executed, even when eminent individuals of the time demanded her release.
Jan Palach was a Charles University student who protested the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia and the Warsaw Pact by self-immolation. His protest inspired further protests, including a hunger strike in Wenceslas Square. These protests further inspired resistance throughout the rest of Prague, and then Europe.
The American Civil Rights Movement became a method of propaganda against the United States to gain support and sympathy from non-socialist states. The Czechoslovakian government would invite activists to the nation so that communism would be promoted, including singer Paul Robeson, who would sing at the Prague Spring classical music festival in 1949. Between the 1960s and 1980s, Czechoslovakia continued to push communism in African nations, broadcasting the benefits of communism and what it would provide to Africans.
Františka Plamínková, founder of the National Council of Women, was a trailblazer in feminism and women's rights. Her fight for women's suffrage and self-personhood was a long one, beginning in 1903 with the Czech Women's Club. Sadly, she was one of many executed by the Nazis in retaliation to Reinhard Heydrich's assassination. Milada Horakova continued Plamínková's work.
Born in 1899, Krasa was a young musical prodigy who composed his first songs at the age of ten. By the age of 39, he would compose his most famous song, Brundibar. By the age of 40, in 1939, the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany took place. After their occupation, Krasa was arrested by the Nazis and deported to the Terezin concentration camp, forced to compose as a part of a propagandic smokescreen.
For over a year, David Cerny and his associates have toiled away at the completion of the recently completed "Lilit" sculpture, placed in the Karlin District of Prague. Cerny himself began his artistic career at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague, continuing to build his knowledge and network with several artist residencies in Switzerland and the United States. His entry into fame began with infamy as he painted a Soviet tank monument pink as an act of "civil disobedience." Soon after did his career take off, eventually making him an impactful cultural installation in Czech society.
Bohemia's beginnings started with Svatopluk I of Great Moravia giving Borivoj I control of the of the soon-to-be Bohemian lands. Even early in his career as the first duke, his kingdom faced war as he supported Svatopluk I during his war against Louie the German and the Eastern Franks. Also early in his career, he faced controversy from fellow elites and had to involve himself in more war to maintain his power and position. Beginnings aren't easy!
Vaclav Havel, Czechoslovakia’s first president, also lived as an activist, poet, and playwright. Communist rule made Havel's life hard, including his education, but he prevailed, having attended university. Even into his adulthood, Havel faced political strife, having his plays banned from viewing and being harassed by the government due to his activism. Was the trouble worth it for the first post-Communism president?
St Wenceslas Day, which honors Duke of Bohemia Wenceslas I, is celebrated on September 28th in the Czech Republic. His story begins with his Christian grandmother Ludmila, having been raised by her up to the time Wenceslas I's mother, Drahomira, had Ludmila assassinated to become Queen Regent. After regaining the throne from his mother, Wenceslas continued to reign for 14 years until his death.
The story of Great Moravia continues with the arrest of Svatopluk I's arrest. Becuase of Svatopluk's supposed death, the Moravians, in anger, elected Slavomir in his place until Svatopluk came back. After the death of Svatopluk II, his son Mojmir II took his place, after which the kingdom saw some hard times, including wars.
There are several Czech artists who have and continue to influence the world, and four of them are highlighted in this article. These artists are Jiri Trnka, Anna Daucikova, Libuse Jarcovjakova, and Yemi AD. From film to painting, glassblowing to photograph, and performance to dance, these artists present a variety of expressions that have influenced the world.
This article describes the lives of two Annas, Bayerova and Honzakova, who pursued medicine during the era of women's suffrage. Both doctors faced obstacles to their passions, but prevailed, such as Anna Bayerova graduating from the University of Bern due to being unable to receive her degree in Czechoslovakia. Anna Honzakova had an easier time pursuing medicine but was initially refused participation in her exit exam until the University of Prague relented.
White, red, and blue make up the Pan-Slavic Tricolor, chosen based on the flag of Russia since that nation, during the late 17th century, represented Slavic independence and power. In fact, their flag was initially too similar to the Russian flag for them to keep it that way, thus the decision to ultimately add the heraldic symbol was made on September 1, 1992.
Kamil Kubik grew into an internationally recognized artist from a rough beginning to his life, having to escape his home in 1948 due to radical political changes. He's most famous for his cityscape paintings, including paintings of Central Park, Prague, London, and the White House, along with a scenic painting from nearly every state in the United States. He became the official artist for the White House.
After the death of Samo, there was uncertainty about the Czech and Moravian lands, but after the rise of Charlamange of the Frankish Kingdom, Moravians were able to recover. The princes of Moravia consolidated their power, and one in particular Mojmir I, rose beyond tribal institutions to establish Great Moravia. After Mojmir I's deposition, his nephew Rostislav became Louis the German's loyal vassal. In secret, however, Rostislav had ambitions beyond this.
In the mid-seventh century, the "first Slavic State" came into existence, ruled by Samo, thus named Samo's Empire. It began with Samo as a Frankish merchant who aided the Slavs in their revolt against the ruling Avars. Samo was such a major contributor to the effort that he was chosen as the leader. The rest is history...
Jiří Karásek ze Lvovic was a unique individual, whose name is even somewhat unique. He was fascinated with death as a child and the occult as an adult. He wrote poetry and critique, collected art and co-founded a magazine, the Moderni Revue. When homosexuality was illegal in Czechoslovakia, he was openly gay and was an activist in the LGBT community of the time.
In this article, the history of Czech LGBT athletes is examined, with two individual athletes highlighted. The first is Martina Navratilova, a world-renowned tennis player whose won the 1972 Czechoslovak National Championship at the young age of 15. The second is Olympic figure skater Ondrej Nepala, who started his Olympic career in the 1964 Winter Games at the age of 13. Both distinguished athletes advocated for LGBT rights, with Navratilova still doing so to this day.
