At Prague’s DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, acclaimed Czech cinematographer, director, and photographer Jaroslav Brabec presents an expansive portrait series titled DEUS ARTIS. Spanning three floors, the exhibition features 102 large-format photographs, while Brabec’s newly published book encompasses 180 of his nearly four hundred subjects from the past five decades. Originally focusing on Czech creatives, Brabec’s lens has since captured global luminaries such as Ai Weiwei, Yoko Ono, Gerhard Richter, Philip Glass, and many more.
Curated by Otto M. Urban, the show centers on “human faces, without the environment.” According to Otto’s vision, this places emphasis on each individual’s essence rather than their studio or medium. Brabec’s personal approach underscores authenticity over technical polish. “I do not arrange anything,” he says, explaining how his negatives—shot on Ilford film with Leica M6 and Nikon F6 cameras—are scanned and printed without cropping. For Brabec, it’s about “the need to record human encounters,” revealing unguarded gestures and genuine connections.
The exhibition has been extended until March 2, offering visitors more time to explore these captivating portraits. In contrast, Brabec’s book often shows artists in their working environments, accompanied by short personal texts. Though currently available in Czech, an English edition is planned once DEUS ARTIS tours internationally.
This remarkable display brings audiences face-to-face with the creators shaping contemporary art, all through the sincerity of Brabec’s unwavering, film-based perspective. It’s a profound celebration of artistic legacy, and a moment for viewers to reflect on the living histories captured through his lens.
Adriena Šimotová
Gerhard Richter
Krzysztof Penderecki
Hermann Nitsch
Georg Baselitz
Philip Glass
Josef Koudelka
Jan Saudek
Ai Weiwei
