Jiří Sopko

Jiří Sopko, born on February 20, 1942, in Dubove, Subcarpathian Rus, is a towering figure in the Czech art scene. With a career that spans several decades, he has showcased his diverse talents not only as a painter, graphic artist, and sculptor but also as a pedagogue, university teacher, illustrator, curator, restorer, scenographer, and artist.

Sopko's life began in what was then the Kingdom of Hungary before his family moved to post-war Czechoslovakia. His upbringing was influenced by his mother, a teacher, and his father, giving him a rich cultural background. His artistic journey began with studies at the Václav Hollar Art School and continued at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where he cultivated his unique style under the guidance of Professor Antonín Pelec.

His prolific career includes a multitude of exhibitions, including his first solo exhibition in 1970 and a significant retrospective in 2022 at Museum Kampa. As an influential member of the artistic group 12/15 he join them Late, but still, Sopko's impact on the art scene extends beyond his personal work.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Sopko has played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Czech artists. As an associate professor and later a professor at the AVU in Prague, and its rector from 2002 to 2010, he helped mentor many budding artists, shaping the contemporary art landscape in the country.

Sopko's artistic style, often classified as Czech grotesque, is characterized by a unique use of color, employing acrylic paints, and featuring surreal elements like elongated limbs and expressive grimaces. His works in painting, graphics, and sculpture stand as a testament to his unparalleled creativity and contribute to his stature as one of the most important and multifaceted artists of his generation.