jiří příhoda sculpts 'karbola' as a timber lantern at castle bechyně

Jiří Příhoda unveils Playful Sculpture ‘Karbola’

The sculpture park surrounding the Renaissance-era Bechyně Castle in the Czech Republic has welcomed a new resident, Karbola, a work by artist Jiří Příhoda that blends art and architecture. Drawing inspiration from the humble form of a wooden shed, Příhoda has created something entirely unexpected. While the basic structure evokes a familiar image, Karbola deviates from the traditional shape with its unconventional geometric proportions and a form that seems almost intentionally dysfunctional when it comes to sheltering its contents from the elements.

Příhoda employs strategic cladding to create this illusionistic effect. Unlike a typical shed, the work’s walls are constructed with wider gaps between the wooden planks. This technique, used throughout architectural history, creates a mesmerizing dialogue between light and shadow, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior space. In Karbola, however, this effect is taken to the extreme, with the gaps present even on the roof — of course, this renders the structure incapable of providing actual protection from rain.

images courtesy Jiří Příhoda

a sculptural shed with a twist

On sunny days, light dances across the gaps in the cladding, casting countless geometric patterns inside Jiří Příhoda’s Karbola. These ever-changing compositions transform throughout the day, offering a dynamic spectacle for visitors. As night falls, Karbola undergoes another transformation. Here, Příhoda uses an existing park lamp, inverting it to bathe the structure’s interior in a warm, inviting glow. This simple act transforms Karbola into a giant lantern, inviting passersby to seek refuge within its white, illuminated walls.

With the work’s title, Karbola, the artist nods to a nearly century-old technique used for protecting rural wooden structures. This method involves applying used engine oil, typically dark brown or black, in place of paint. In Karbola, this treatment, combined with the white interior and open gaps, accentuates the structure’s geometric grid. As the wood weathers, the imperfections become more pronounced, lending Karbola a rustic aesthetic.

artist Jiří Příhoda’s new work Karbola is a sculpture inspired by the humble shed

Freedom of Expression at Bechyně Castle

Karbola finds its home within the 2024 edition of the Bechyně Castle and Sculpture Park exhibition. This year’s theme explores the concept of freedom in its various forms, including artistic freedom throughout history and the freedom of collectors to re-contextualize art. The exhibition celebrates the power of diverse perspectives and celebrates the freedom of contemporary artists like Příhoda to push boundaries and tackle thought-provoking themes through their work.

While Karbola is a highlight, the exhibition includes many other works. Visitors can explore the Stava Family Collection, a unique selection of over 120 works by nearly 40 artists, showcased for the first time in the historical granary building. This collection provides a window into the European avant-garde movements of the 20th century following World War II.

located at the Bechyně Castle in the Czech Republic, Karbola features a unique geometric design