POKOJE 2021

The Pokoje 2021 young art exhibition took place from 10–17 November 2021, and for its realization, we were able to secure abandoned spaces in a building directly on Náměstí Republiky. The new location provided a refreshing change for both exhibiting students and visitors and contributed to the overall positive reception of the event.

The theme of this year’s edition was Wit, which was expressed across a total of 32 rooms, transformed by more than a hundred students from 13 art universities across the Czech Republic. Established and functioning concepts were retained, so this year’s visitors could once again engage with the perspective of young theorists on the art scene in the Curatorial Room, or take part in the rich accompanying program, which included not only lectures and discussions but also workshops and guided tours of the exhibition.

For example, art historian Pavlína Morganová introduced attendees of her lecture Wit in Czech Art of the 1960s–1980s to unofficial events, happenings, and performances. In contrast, the lecture How to Figure Out What is Truly Eco? by Marie Nina Václavková highlighted the most common mistakes we make in attempts at an ecological approach, while also presenting examples of positive practice in ecodesign and design thinking. Designer Adam Tureček, in his workshop Make Whatever You Want, encouraged visitors to engage their own inventiveness, allowing them to create unique artifacts from unexpected objects under his guidance.

Another highlight was the Discussion on the Mental Health of Art Students, which shed light on challenges increasingly faced by students and offered possible ways to cope with difficult psychological states and situations.

After a year-long pause, exhibition visitors could once again engage with the most current student work, transcending the Prague region, while also gaining insight into spaces normally inaccessible to the public. The exhibition theme (Wit) further encouraged interactive approaches in many installations. Visitors were often invited to play various games or to actively reflect on the messages of individual works. The interactive experience significantly enhanced the visitor experience, as confirmed by social media feedback and countless posts documenting direct engagement with the artworks.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation, attendance was strong, and the tenth anniversary edition of the exhibition can be considered a resounding success.