We opened the Intervals of Presence exhibition

The exhibition Intervals of Presence marks the second chapter of this year’s curatorial program at Artium by KKCG, dedicated to the theme of responsibility. In her opening remarks, Artium Event Manager Radka Vondrašová welcomed guests and reflected on the origins of the exhibition: “Kateřina knew her life was changing and accelerating, yet she still embraced the challenge and created remarkable works specifically for this space.” She also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Komárek, whose vision and generosity allow Artium to bring art and culture closer to the public.

Curator Anna Pulkertová explained how the exhibition encourages visitors toward specific movements and decisions. The sculptures of dancers stand on intentionally low plinths so they do not become untouchable objects on pedestals, but rather works people can approach closely, walk around, and interact with. Large-scale canvases, meanwhile, conceal delicate embroideries at their center — anyone wishing to read them must step closer. “The exhibition is about encounters, about people either passing through or stopping — engaging with others or with artworks,” Pulkertová summarized.

Kateřina Šťastná explained why Artium, as an unconventional exhibition space, appealed to her: “I see it as a kind of joint connecting two buildings, a place not primarily intended for stopping — huge numbers of people move through it.” From this tension between movement and pause emerged the exhibition’s central theme. Šťastná built on ideas explored in her previous exhibition in Brno, where she examined how the space between two figures changes graphically depending on their positions in relation to one another. “For this exhibition, I focused on the potential of these encounters. To me, it feels like a decision — I’m moving from point A to point B, and within that lies a spectrum of opportunities that may or may not happen,” she said. Asked how she understands responsibility within the context of the curatorial theme, she replied: “Realizing the potential of opportunities that happen — and those that don’t. The ability to pause — and responsibility toward oneself.”

A special place within the exhibition belongs to its smallest work: a tiny embroidery depicting fish roe, displayed separately on a panel in one corner of Artium. “Paradoxically, it feels like the central image to me,” Šťastná shared. “They are roe — the beginning, the potential of something unborn. That entire section is a bit different, calmer, perhaps more about solitude, because encounters always require a certain sense of stillness as well.” She concluded the evening by thanking KKCG and the entire installation team: “I deeply appreciate the care you gave me. It was a beautiful collaboration.”