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1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT

The book contains personal and artistic reflections on Palach's self-immolation, the crucial year of 1969, the 'normalisation' era, 1989 and after. It also focuses on Sozanský’s relationship with Zoubek, author of Palach’s death mask and tombstone.

  • Reproduction of the Print No I

  • Reproduction of the Print No II

  • Reproduction of the Print No III

  • Reproduction of the Print No IV

  • Reproduction of the Print No V

  • MONOLOGUES in Czech - English

  • DVD The Burning Bush, HBO Europe

  • DVD The Burning Bush, HBO Europe in Czech

  • Meda Mladkova + Olbram Zoubek, 2014

  • Sozanský, Junek, Zoubek in 1971

  • O. Zoubek in his Studio, 1973

  • O. Zoubek and his wife E. Kmentová, 1974

  • Zoubek and Palach´s death mask, Charles Uni, 1990

  • FORUM 88, Janoušková, Sozanský, Zoubek, 1988

  • J. Sozanský in his studio, 1984

  • Jan Palach, 1967

  • O. Zoubek - Palach´s tombstone, 1970.

EUR 6,190
pledged of EUR 5,916

104%

104% completed

83 contributors pledged

Art, Literature

Praha, Hlavní město Praha, Česká republika

All or nothing. Project finished on Dec 24, 2015 at 18:33.

Show all rewards

How it began:

At the beginning of the 70´s the young student of the Academy of Arts Jiří Sozanský worked in the studio of Olbram Zoubek, where Jan Palach´s death mask hung on the wall. In this atelier Sozanský experienced unwelcome visits of members of the Secret Police. He also witnessed the unpretentious and brave behaviour of Olbram Zoubek, which had a crucial impact on him. It was one of the reasons why Jan Palach featured in his lifelong work. For the period of forty years, Sozanský has been dealing with the sacrifice of his peer who woke Czechoslovak society from its lethargy  of the so called normalisation period following the August occupation. Sozanský established a lifelong connection with Olbram Zoubek.

Next year Jiří Sozanský and Olbram Zoubek will both be celebrating important jubilees in their lives (Jiří Sozanský will be 70, and Olbram Zoubek will be 90), which will be marked by a series of exhibitions that the two artists are currently preparing. If you choose to become a donor, you will obtain one of the gifts on offer and you will also be invited to the opening of the exhibitions, where you will have an opportunity to meet the artists in person. You will find photographs of selected gifts in the file called photos and video.

On request donors will be provided with a donation agreement, so that they can deduct the donated sum from their tax return. Donors can retrieve their gifts in Holešovice in Prague or the gifts can be sent to the donors POD by post.

About the book project:

The book will be the result of the project we are raising money for. It features Sozanský´s personal and artistic reflexion on Jan Palach´s self-immolation. Based on the  cooperation with historians Petr Blažek and Petr Koura the publication addresses the events of the years 1968 and 1969. It also deals with the political revolution in 1989, and the years following the change.

Apart from Jiří Sozanský´s works 1968-2015, significant space is devoted to works of Olbram Zoubek, who is the author of Palach´s death mask and tombstone. The book is a testimony to Palach’s impact on the two artists who refused, partly because of Palach´s sacrifice, to cooperate with the regime.

The book includes reproductions of Sozanský´s and Zoubek´s work from the 60´s up to the present as well as works of their companions who have focused on the same topic. The historical context is shown thanks to mostly unpublished photographs, diary excerpts of Zoubek´s daughter Polana and testimonies of a generation of peers and personalities from the world of art  A. Holland, P. Kofroň, J.T.Kotalík, K. Hvížďala, J. Šetlík, M. Dočekal, V. Just , J. Pleskot…

The book follows recent work of Sozanský in which he dealt with the topic "man in extreme situations”: 1984 – Year of Orwell, which was exhibited at the National Gallery – Veletržní Palace 2014-15, Extreme Situations in GASK Kutná Hora 2015.

Who we are:

Symposion z.s. was founded in 1992 when it followed up its unofficial activities from 70´s and 80´s when some artists, despite the unfriendly circumstances, tried to react on moral, cultural and factual devastation of their own land.

One of the organizers of such events was Jiří Sozanský whose projects in Terezín (1967-1980) and Most (1981-1982) made a significant part of unofficial culture of that time.

In the period 1992-2015, several artists from the Czech Republic and Europe took part in dozens of projects organized by Symposion. Several catalogues and books were published altogether with documentary and art-focusing movies. The man behind all the activities is Jiří Sozanský in cooperation with art historian Jiří T. Kotalík and other experts, according to the specific characteristics of a particular project.

Production will be done by Olga Sozanská.

Why we are doing this:

The theme of Jan Palach has been present in the projects of Symposion since 2009, when Sozanský´s long-term project on this topic was first introduced to the public on the occasion of 40 years commemoration of Jan Palach´s self-immolation (Convent of Franciscans, 2009). Sozanský presented his piece using J. Palach´s death mask for the first time on that occasion.

In 2014 Symposion organised a memorial evening at the Kampa Museum in cooperation with the National Theatre where parts of secret service files were read and a documentary film of Olbram Zoubek and Jiří Sozanský on Jan Palach was screened.

One of the recent events was on the New Stage of the National Theatre under the name Jan 69/ January 16th 2015/. In the discussion following the event contemporary witnesses took part, among them Vlasta Chramostová, Pavel Kohout, Olbram Zoubek, Stanislav Milota and historians Petr Blažek and Petr Koura. The composition of Petr Kofroň was premiered on this occasion. The stage design was based on drawings by Jiří Sozanský.

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 10
    An invitation to the launch of the book 1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT.

    The gala launch will be held at the National Museum on 19 January 2016, the date of Jan Palach’s death. 
    At this event you will have an opportunity to meet the book’s authors and some eyewitnesses to the events of 1969 in Czechoslovakia. 
    The event will also host the premiere screening of the film OLBRAM ZOUBEK A JIŘÍ SOZANSKÝ O JANU PALACHOVI a DOBA LEDOVÁ/ OLBRAM ZOUBEK AND JIŘÍ SOZANSKÝ ON JAN PALACH and , a recording of a performance that took place at the National Theatre in January 2015The gala launch will be held at the National Museum on 19 January 2016, the date of Jan Palach’s death. 
    At this event you will have an opportunity to meet the book’s authors and some eyewitnesses to the events of 1969 in Czechoslovakia. 
    The event will also host the premiere screening of the film OLBRAM ZOUBEK A JIŘÍ SOZANSKÝ O JANU PALACHOVI a DOBA LEDOVÁ/ OLBRAM ZOUBEK AND JIŘÍ SOZANSKÝ ON JAN PALACH a recording of a performance that took place at the National Theatre in January 2015.
     

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 7.89
    (CZK 200)

  • sold 2
    MONOLOGUES / MONOLOGY

    This is a Czech-English publication documenting the work of Jíří Sozanský since 1971. The introduction is written by Jiří T. Kotalík. Individual topics covered in the book are accompanied by informed commentary. The conclusion of the book consists of a summary of projects organised by the civic association Symposion and is accompanied by photographs. 

    214 pp. The book is not yet in distribution.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 13.80
    (CZK 350)

  • sold 2
    MONOLOGUES/ MONOLOGY , Signed by author

    This is a Czech-English publication documenting the work of Jíří Sozanský since 1971. The introduction is written by Jiří T. Kotalík. Individual topics covered in the book are accompanied by informed commentary. The conclusion of the book consists of a summary of projects organised by the civic association Symposion and is accompanied by photographs. 

    214 pp. The book is not yet in distribution.This is a Czech-English publication documenting the work of Jíří Sozanský since 1971. The introduction is written by Jiří T. Kotalík. Individual topics covered in the book are accompanied by informed commentary. The conclusion of the book consists of a summary of projects organised by the civic association Symposion and is accompanied by photographs. 

    214 pp. The book is not yet in distribution.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 21.69
    (CZK 550)

  • sold 30
    1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT

    This book, which is the one for which donations are being sought, is devoted to personal and artistic reflections on Jan Palach’s protest act of self-immolation. With the help of historians Petr Blažek and Petr Koura, it provides an overview of the critical events of the years 1968 and 1969, the ensuing normalisation era, the political revolution in 1989, and developments up to the present day. For more information about this book, see the Project Description.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 25.64
    (CZK 650)

  • remaining 3 from 20
    1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT, signed by author

    This book, which is the one for which donations are being sought, is devoted to personal and artistic reflections on Jan Palach’s protest act of self-immolation. With the help of historians Petr Blažek and Petr Koura, it provides an overview of the critical events of the years 1968 and 1969, the ensuing normalisation era, the political revolution in 1989, and developments up to the present day. For more information about this book, see the Project Description.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 35.50
    (CZK 900)

  • sold 5
    Reproduction of the pront from MONOLOGUE series

    The donor may select a reproduction of 1 print from the MONOLOGY/MONOLOGUE series and it will be signed by the artist. There are four prints to choose from (see the photos) + book 1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 THE YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 197.20
    (CZK 5,000)

  • sold 0
    Reproductions of J. Sozanský´s prints from the BIBLE - JOB series

    a/ A copy of the book 1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT signed by the author
    b/reproductions of 1 print from the BIBLE - JOB series, chosen by the donor and signed by the artist - see photos

    c/ A DVD copy of the film THE BURNING BUSH directed by Agnieska Holland and produced by HBO Europe (234 minutes)

    Reward delivery: in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 276.08
    (CZK 7,000)

  • sold 7
    Prémium Gift

    This package contains:

    a/ A copy of the book 1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT signed by the author
    b/ A DVD copy of the film THE BURNING BUSH directed by Agnieska Holland and produced by HBO Europe (234 minutes) + a publication titled THE BURNING BUSH (145 pp.)
    c/ reproductions of 2 prints from the MONOLOGY/MONOLOGUE series, chosen by the donor and signed by the artist

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 394.40
    (CZK 10,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    A meeting with artist Jiří Sozanský in the boxing ring + all the other gifts mentioned.

    Jiří Sozanský has been training in boxing ever since he was a student at the Academy of Fine Art. Each week a number of interesting artists who box as a hobby meet up at Palaestra Club in Prague’s New Town. The group includes sculptors, painters, a poet, a director, and the dramaturge of the National Theatre in Prague. Training takes place every Sunday starting at 5 pm and the donor will be invited to join the group after training in a local restaurant. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 788.80
    (CZK 20,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    A meeting with artist Jiří Sozanský in his studio + all the other gifts mentioned.

    A unique opportunity to meet the artist right in his studio and learn about the approach he takes to his creative work. As well as the gifts mentioned above, there will also be an opportunity to obtain other publications not in general distribution the donor may be interested in. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 788.80
    (CZK 20,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    The project´s General Partner

    The project’s general partner will be invited to the opening of the exhibition 1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT, which will be held at the Regional Museum in Litomyšl as part of the Smetana’s Litomyšl Music Festival. The general partner’s name will be printed on invitations, posters, and panels as the general partner of the project + the general partner will receive reproductions of 4 prints + all the other gifts mentioned.  

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,183.20
    (CZK 30,000)

  • Sold out!!
    1969 ROK ZLOMU/1969 YEAR OF THE BREAKING POINT, signed by author + DVD The Burning Bush

    Jiří Sozanský will sign and dedicate the book to the donor, who will also receive a DVD copy of the film The Burning Bush (Hořící keř), a three-part drama produced by HBO Europe and directed by Agnieska Holland. The DVD includes a section called ‘Film about the Film’, which presents interesting footage from the making of the film.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 59.16
    (CZK 1,500)

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