David Černý, Prague’s favourite artist

In the heart of Prague, the Czech capital, the streets are adorned with works of art that not only beautify, but also provoke and incite reflection. Behind many of these pieces is David Černý, a sculptor known for challenging norms and sparking conversations with his art.

David Černý was born in Prague in 1967 and quickly gained a reputation as a provocateur in the art world. His often irreverent sculptures address political and social issues with a satirical and sometimes subversive approach. Černý uses public space as a canvas for his critiques of contemporary society.

Visiting Prague is an excellent opportunity to get to know the work of this subversive artist and with the help of Jitka Jiratová (the Spanish guide that has appeared in Alan’s videos around the world) and Visit Czechia We share with you a list of the must-sees.

Among his most famous works is “Kůň” (Horse), located in the Lucerna Palace. This sculpture shows St. Wenceslas riding an upside-down horse, a parody of the traditional monument in Wenceslas Square.

In addition to this work, Lucerne is a very interesting place because it is a journey into the past. Here, in addition to being one of the oldest shopping arcades in the city (necessary due to the extreme climate in winter), there is one of the oldest working cinemas in the world, dating back to 1909! Interesting, because the cinematograph was patented in 1895.

“Kafka’s Head” is another monumental sculpture that does not go unnoticed. This kinetic work, composed of rotating layers, pays tribute to the famous Czech writer Franz Kafka, symbolizing the multiple facets of his personality and his complex relationship with Prague.

Every hour, for 15 minutes, the cameras of all those present are prepared to take photographs and videos of this moving sculpture, which, as it could not be otherwise, has a Metamorphosis.

“The Hanged Man” is one of Černý’s most striking works. Located on Husova Street in the Old Town district, this sculpture shows a man hanging from a bar by one hand. It is believed to represent Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and is a commentary on the internal struggle of modern man.

Another of his notable creations is “Embryo”, an installation that can be found on the facade of a building on Divadelní Street. This luminous sculpture of an embryo symbolises birth and development, adding a touch of life and hope to urban architecture.

Although Černý’s work has always been controversial for the themes it addresses, “The Butterflies,” one of his most recent installations located in the recently renovated Máj department store on Národní třída in the center of Prague, divides opinions among locals and visitors.

This new work features two giant butterflies made up of blue planes that pay tribute to the Spitfire fighters, Czechoslovakian pilots (when it was a unified country) who fought in World War II.

Although it has gradually gained popularity, the way the butterfly wings move is really Instagrammable, some people consider that this work moves away from the artist’s combative spirit in favour of something more commercial. Art is for conversation and this definitely causes Černý!

Through his sculptures, David Černý has established a continuous dialogue with the public. In Prague, his sculptures have become part of the urban landscape, attracting both tourists and locals. Did you know this artist?

If you are looking for a guide through Prague, we leave you the Instagram of Jitka Jiratová.