Alternative development of Prague and the search for landscape architecture. FA students at the exhibition Pokoje

Since 2013, the showcase of the work of students of art schools from the Czech Republic and abroad has been annually enlivening houses in the centre of Prague, for which the participants always create their own specific art projects. The theme that united more than 30 artistic interventions this year was growth. The curatorial selection emphasized a variety of approaches, and audience participation.

"Ecological themes resonated across the installations, as did issues of personal burnout, which is often linked to the pressure to continually grow - be it professionally, personally or economically. In this context, growth takes on paradoxical meanings; on the one hand, it is a goal, on the other a source of anxiety and exhaustion," said the show's organizers.

The installation Altergrowth of HMP by the author team of Natálie Henselová, Kateřina Chejnová, Matyáš Kočiš and Anna Izabella Lozsi presented a 3D model of Prague. Visitors were able to participate in its creation themselves - using ceramic clay or markers, they could add their own visions of buildings, streets or other elements that are missing in the current form of the city. The installation was complemented by historical maps of Prague, illustrating the changes of the city over the centuries. The aim of the project was to draw attention to the importance of urbanism in shaping the life and form of cities and to inspire people to think about their future development.

Sabina Peková, Zuzana Purmová and David Šmíd from the Sitta-Chmelová studio presented landscape architecture as a living entity. "Landscape architecture lies at the intersection of personal and collective perception of nature, it deals with the material and historical aspects of the landscape even when it applies poetic or mythological associations associated with the landscape," explains the author team. The sculpture, made of textiles joined and shaped with threads, strings, yarns and wires, symbolically invited visitors to explore the intricacies of the field. Visitors themselves strung, sewed and wound other materials, gradually thickening the structure, symbolically letting it develop and grow.

The Rooms show took place from 8 to 17 November 2024 at the Hybernská Campus in Prague. Photos from the show can be viewed in the gallery.