Koudelka: Returning

The retrospective exhibition commemorates the 80th birthday of the distinguished Czech photographer and provides a cross/section of his entire oeuvre.

The basis of the exhibition comprises 350 photographs, which are part of the large set of works that Koudelka has generously decided to give to his native land. The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague will manage it thus becoming the only institution in the world to have such a large collection of the oeuvre of this world-renowned photographer. The exhibition includes all of the well-known series of Koudelka’s work so far (Beginnings, Experiments, Theatre, Gypsies, Invasion 68, Exiles, and Panoramas). Included are many unique vintage prints, some of which are presented here for the first time. The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive volume in English and Czech editions, containing most of Koudelka’s best-known photographs, several articles, a chronology of his life, a list of his exhibitions, and a large bibliography.

At the same time as this retrospective, the exhibition Koudelka: De-creazione is being held at the Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác) of the National Gallery in Prague.

As mentioned, two books are going to be published in Czech and English – one a catalogue of Koudelka’s donated works, the other presenting a few selected series from the exhibition, essays and a biography of the artist.