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The Creative Crossroads: Homecoming exhibition will present a diverse range of artworks created during international internships by students from the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Matěj Sudek from the Graphic Design and Visual Communication studio created original books during his stay in Poznan. Marie-Magdaléna Kvěch Jiřenová from the Product Design studio designed original porcelain objects during her study stay in Germany.

Photography projects at the exhibition will be presented by Jitka Sohrová and Gabriela Homolová. Sohrová from the Photography studio brought a collection of photographs titled Face of Greece from Athens. Homolová, a student of the Photography studio, will present a black and white analog series The Art of Being Lost but Finding Yourself, which was also created during her study stay in Athens.

Kristýna Nejedlá Bujárková, a graduate of the Painting studio at the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, became the fourth resident of the prestigious Gottfried Lindauer Artist in Residence program. Her nearly three-month stay in New Zealand, specifically in Woodville, significantly influenced her artistic perspective and work. Her experience with Maori culture, local landscape, and artistic environment resulted in a series of remarkable paintings that will also be on display at the exhibition. She shared her insights in a brief interview:

You spent ten weeks in Woodville. What was the biggest surprise for you during the residency – whether in artistic or personal terms?
I was surprised by how quickly those three months flew by. I had a studio where I both lived and worked, which was a new experience – no commuting to the studio. I woke up in the morning, looked at the works in progress, and could continue right away. My family was on the other side of the world, so when I was waking up, they were getting ready for bed. I had the whole day just for myself and New Zealand. Being alone was strange but liberating at the same time.

The Creative Crossroads: Homecoming exhibition will showcase works by other students who completed stays abroad. What do you think is the benefit of such international dialogue for young artists?
International dialogue is a great opportunity for young artists to gain new experiences and find inspiration in other cultures. It helps to better understand both differences and what connects us, while promoting greater openness and the ability to come up with innovative approaches in creation.

Did your artistic approach change during your stay in such a different environment? How is the New Zealand experience reflected in your further work?
The stay in Woodville fundamentally changed my approach to creation. New Zealand's nature inspired me to deeper explore the relationship between humans and landscape. Thanks to local stories, I better understood the spiritual significance of nature, which I want to reflect in my further work focused on capturing atmosphere and emotions.

In your work, you've long focused on natural structures. What specifically interested you about the Pāua shell, which became the central motif of your paintings from the residency? What symbolism does it carry?
The Pāua shell fascinated me with its beautiful structure, colors, and significance in Maori culture. It symbolizes connection with the sea and harmony between the outer and inner world. Its smooth surface resembles the calmness of the sea, while the colors reflect the richness of life. I tried to capture this symbolism in my work.

Does the approach to nature and its spiritual perception in New Zealand differ from our Central European context?
Yes. In New Zealand, nature is perceived as an integral part of identity and spirituality. Maori culture emphasizes harmony between humans and nature, where every element has its meaning. Here in Central Europe, nature is often perceived more aesthetically or practically, which isn't wrong, but it lacks that spiritual dimension I experienced in New Zealand.

Gottfried Lindauer, born in Pilsen, who became a significant New Zealand painter, left an indelible artistic mark in Woodville. The place of his professional and personal activity has become an inspiration for an international artistic residency program. Thanks to the initiative of Gottfried Lindauer Studio and the Woodville Art and History organization, students from the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art can continue his artistic legacy through regular residency stays. Did the fact that you worked in the place where this painter was active influence your work in any way?
Gottfried Lindauer inspired me greatly. He sensitively and respectfully captured local culture; his portraits are beautiful. Moreover, his courage to move to New Zealand in the 19th century was enormous. For me, it was a challenge even today – flying across half the world plus a 12-hour time shift – but even though it was demanding, I enjoyed it.

The exhibition at the Inkubátor gallery FDU UWB will open on February 18 at 4 PM, will run until March 11, and will be accessible every weekday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.