A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Michal Pudelka
PRESS RELEASE
After a brief hiatus, Michal Pudelka (1990) returns to the photography scene with an exhibition showcasing a curated selection of his work. The series presented at the FOG Gallery blends both older and entirely new pieces, emphasizing the concept of the fine line between conformity and individuality, and between submission and rebellion. Exploring these dualities, the exhibition offers a visual narrative that challenges the viewer’s perception of authentic identity.
Michal Pudelka is primarily known for his surreal, almost dreamlike approach, and captivating storytelling, often commissioned by major fashion houses and magazines. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, his recent photographs depict an environment where fate is not only predetermined but also inherited. When examining the images, we find ourselves caught in a system that serves as an anchor, with roots gripping the earth and branches seizing our destiny. It is a force both constraining and guiding, drawing boundaries around our existence, while the quiet urge to break free starts pressing against the edges of our awareness.
This struggle unfolds within two territories – the inner and the outer world. Yet, they are not separate; they carefully observe one another. From the outside, the world looks in, seeing reality influenced by pressure and restrictions. It is burdened by the silent weight of tradition, passed down through generations, and the fear of rigid rules imposed by others. From the inside, the world looks out, seeing a vast realm of the unknown, with the complexity of overwhelming choices. It projects a paralyzing fear of veering off course, as each decision feels like a crossroads. To the outer community, those on the inside seem passive and resigned; in contrast, to the inner community, those on the outside seem reckless, untethered, and perhaps even lost.
Growing up within this system, we carry the tension of conflicting perspectives. Predefined values, ideals, and beliefs form the foundation in which we are raised. Some accept it. Some rebel. Some only observe. The borders between these alternatives are never clear, and yet, they shape us. In the quiet moments between action and inaction, a deeper understanding begins to emerge. The courage to defy authority and the risks involved in standing up to it. The arrow is shot, time holds its breath, and fate awaits whether the cycle continues or breaks.
