Dušan Šimánek

This is the first book ever devoted to the art photography of Dušan Šimánek (b. 1948) made from 1977 to the present day. Owing to its distinctive, carefully worked-out, sophisticated aesthetics, whether in color or black-and-white, his work holds a special place in Czech art. Yet, apart from several solo exhibitions, it remains uncategorized and concealed; rarely, if at all, has his work been properly presented in its broader context in his own country. Perhaps it is because Šimánek is famous for work in journalism, advertising, fashion, and portraiture, which, thanks to its quality and professionalism has attracted considerable attention, thus overshadowing his art photography. In several thematically arranged sections, this book traces his personal style as it developed in harmony with new visual discoveries. Although in its entirety it may sometimes seem abstract, Šimánek’s work has always been rooted in reality. It is testimony to the process that develops from seeing to insight, when an object changes from an original idea into a new vision. The introductory articles are written by the leading Czech historian of photography Anna Fárová and the art critic Lenka Lindaurová.