IN celebration of the 100th year of Czech comics, the famed works of notable Czech artists and writers of both mainstream and alternative comics from the last century are on exhibit at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Gallery in Intramuros, Manila.
The show, entitled “Meanwhile, Elsewhere,” is a grand cultural collaboration between the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila and the NCCA.
Said exhibition forms part of the commemorations of the major anniversaries of 2018: the centenary foundation of Czechoslovakia (1918), 70 years of the establishment of the infamous communist regime (1948) and 25 years of the creation of the Czech Republic (1993).
The expo not only shows the themes and authors in all their respective historical periods until today, but also recaps a tumultuous national history through comics that aptly reflects the historical, political and cultural changes of Czechia.
Samples of different illustrations are showcased to depict the history and evolution of Czech comics, and how they were affected by the times. Popular works like Kája Saudek’s superheroes, Jaroslav Foglar’s five-generation classic Fast Arrows,as well as pre-World War II artist Ondřej Sekora’s early comics precursor Ferda the Ant are also on display.
Furthermore, a selection of contemporary avant-garde comics of sorts such as Jaromír Rudiš’s Alois Nebeland and Jaromír 99 will amaze all young comics enthusiasts. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the exhibition as it contains numerous original comic books and magazines.
The fate of Czech comics reflects not only the periods of high creative freedom, but also the times of stagnation and control, as there was a political ban during the Communist rule in Czechoslovakia that was only lifted when democracy was restored in 1989, when the boom of comics recommenced.
In attendance on opening night was Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines Jaroslav Olša Jr.—an avid comic fan and collector himself—as well as curator of the exhibit and Moravian Museum art collections in Brno Tomáš Prokůpek. NCCA board members and representatives joined the two gentlemen.
The exhibit is at the NCCA Gallery, 633 Gen. Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, and will be open until the end of September 2018. For details, contact the gallery secretariat at 527-2192 loc. 308, 324 and 328; e-mail: nccagallery09@gmail.com.