Miroslav Tichý Homepage

I few weeks ago I made a post on Miroslav Tichý - http://sarahwichlacz.com/?p=12 A little later I was lucky enough to get a comment on the post from Brian Tjepkema, Tichý’s own apprentice. I claimed that Tichý was a bona fide outsider artist, one that might not be fully aware of what he is doing artistry- Brian disagreed. He elaborates on his website-

Although Tichý was in large part rejected and even ridiculed by the authorities and by regular society, he did have friends and he was often seen amongst people in the pubs of Kyjov. Although Tichý is often presented as not only an outsider but also as a loner or hermit, Tichý spoke with many people on a daily basis. Needless to say, Tichý’s chosen friends were mostly outsiders themselves. According to Tichý, the writer Veselsky was a “nutter” as were the artists Petr Cmelik and, even, Tjepkema. Tichý was by no means a loner and many people from Kyjov have spoken with him over the years.

Okay, Brian I agree that Tichý is aware that he his creating art - and sees himself as part of an artistic community. But, I think that he is clearly on the outside of the “established” art world; making work (especially these girly photographs) for his own pleasure. This is what makes his work so damn appealing; it is not over thought and overwrought imagery made to please an academic gallery audience. Tichý’s techniques are interesting and unique; the subjects timeless and erotic. The academics have plenty to talk about - but what they see and what Tichý originally had in mind when creating the image may be vastly different. Then again this could be said about most art..

miroslav Tichy01 Tichy02


5 Responses to “Miroslav Tichý (Painter and Photographer) Revisited”  

  1. 1 Kate Burke

    Dear Sirs,
    This is more of a request for more information on this extraordinary artist and his works than a comment. I am a student of Photography in London (please don’t stop reading this now) and I am doing a project on Tichy. If you have any recommendations of where I can find out as much history, knowledge and academic arguments of the man even from his early student days studying painting to the present I would be exceedingly grateful. I appreciate that this is not a question and answer sight and totally understand if I hear no reply from you but if you do know of some great sights with much more that information would be fantastic.
    Yours extremely indebtedly,
    Kate Burke.

  2. 2 brian tjepkema

    Dear Ms. Burke,

    There is not a lot of “good” information about Miroslav Tichy. Two books have been published - one by Dumont and one by Torst. Both of these books contain an essay by Roman Buxbaum called “Tarzan in Retirement” and essays by a couple of art critics.

    I would suggest that you start with my website (www.cirkusworld.com)since, next to Tichy himself, I am the expert on his art.

    Tichy’s art and life is not easily understood and a lot of nonsense has been written about him lately. Although Tichy can be understood as an avante garde artist, I feel he is better understood in terms of mysticism and what I call “art alchemy.” I wish you luck on your project!

    Brian Tjepkema

  3. 3 Kate Burke

    Hi Brian,

    Thank you so much for relpying and I’m so sorry for my late response, I went off on different tangents to find out more about him and then for some bizarre reason forgot to check if anybody had replyed to this email!!! In the meantime I did actually come across your website and Roman Buxbaum’s “Tarzan in Retirement” to which both have been fascinating and more than I could ask for in finding out I’m sure only a small insight into the real Tichy but enough to want to explore more of this exceptional man!

    Thanks again and kind regards,

    Kate Burke.

  4. 4 Honza

    i used to live in Kyjov and i talked to M.Tichy a lot before i moved out of the country.

  5. 5 Honza

    if interested in my experience, contact me at jankryst@rogers.com

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