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The exhibition titled Joy and Anger. And What to Do with Them? was inspired by the tragedy at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine and other manifestations of violence that, according to the artist, have become an inseparable part of both public spaces and private lives. “We chose the theme of violence as a response to the world around us, but to bring balance, we also added joy. After all, joy is the key word in our European anthem – the Ode to Joy. It can serve as a guide for how to channel human aggression,” said sculptor and professor Kurt Gebauer.

Students of the Faculty of Education at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen were tasked not only with artistic interpretations of the theme but also with considering the public space – places where we usually find war memorials, statues of famous figures, or symbols of freedom. “The exhibition thus poses the question of what we will celebrate – and also where and how,” Gebauer added.

The exhibition presents powerful and deeply personal works. For instance, Evelína Adamová created a hanging papier-mâché piece titled Dove, which addresses the fragility of peace. “I wanted to show that even a symbol of hope can bear traces of pain. The cracks and holes in the dove suggest that peace should never be taken for granted,” the artist explained. Alice Bohdálková focused on the symbolism of balance between the two emotions. Her installation design Coin depicts a giant metal disc standing on its edge – one side reflects the visitor like a mirror, while the other bears a relief of violence. “Each of us moves along an axis between joy and anger. The coin holds this within – even literally,” the author noted.

Simona Baselidesová addresses digital violence in two works. Her object Notebook and the sculpture design Screaming Hand draw attention to anonymous hate in the online environment. The latter even "shouts" insults at passers-by using sensors and a speaker. “I wanted people to consider what it would be like if someone said such things to their face,” the artist added. Finally, the painting Joy on the Other Shore by Simona Beníšková offers a different perspective – drawing inspiration from the Mexican Day of the Dead. The skeletons in the painting are not frightening but peaceful, surrounded by flowers and warm colors. “I wanted to show that joy can exist even in places where we least expect it – in memory, in acceptance, in reconciliation.”

The exhibition showcases the work of future educators who will one day pass on visual culture to the next generations. Department head Věra Uhl Skřivanová emphasized that pedagogy cannot shy away from difficult topics. “In education, we cannot close our eyes to war, death, or violence. A teacher’s task is to engage in dialogue with students and support them in finding their own path through life. Art acts as a catalyst for our emotions, fears, and concerns – and gives us the tools to process new situations,” said Uhl Skřivanová.

The exhibition opening took place on June 6 at the European House Gallery of the Study and Research Library of the Pilsen Region on Republic Square and will run until June 27.

Professor Kurt Gebauer is a prominent figure in the Czech art scene and a long-time educator. He has been teaching at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen since 2018, where he heads the art education program for secondary schools. His lifelong focus has been the relationship between art and public space – a topic he also actively explores with his students. In 2022, UWB awarded him an honorary doctorate for his outstanding contribution to cultural education.