Adam Kašpar
artist, painter
I studied Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague in the studio of Martin Mainer, and painting remains the core of my practice, occasionally refreshed by object-based work. I engage with connecting the approaches of the natural sciences and art on the one hand, and with exploring the deep psychological and spiritual foundations of the same on the other. For a long time I was involved with geology, astronomy, and paleontology, building contacts and collaborations with the natural sciences. Recently I have been turning rather toward the “reverse side” of the scientific grasp of the world – toward intuition, mythological perception, and the exploration of one’s own inner terrain. Whatever I engage with, however, I always build on personal experience reflected through artistic practice, and that should also be the focal point of my mentoring. No empty intellectual games.
Although I work with classical painting, I firmly refuse to base mentoring on teaching any formal rules or procedures; quite the opposite. I imagine that a space can emerge for sharing the deeper principles and motivations that make a person an “artist” in the first place. I expect a willingness to share essential, inner experiences that stand at the formation of every meaningful work, and I offer the same openness in return. For that reason, this call is intended for people who seriously and professionally engage with art, or who wish to do so. Mentoring should not become a hobby painting course in the open air. I can also offer advice – or rather experience – regarding gallery operation, pricing, and communication with collectors and the public, but I see this as a marginal aspect of the whole project. The most meaningful model for me is meeting directly in studios. I offer meetings at my place (Jeseníky/Prague) or at the participants’ studios.