Galerie Derouillon's 'Soulscape' Pairs Vojtěch Kovařík with Maillol and Rousseau

Galerie Derouillon in Paris is staging 'Soulscape,' an exhibition of Czech artist Vojtěch Kovařík (born 1993) that marks a strategic shift for the gallery. The show presents Kovařík's monumental paintings and a rare Carrara marble sculpture alongside historical works by Aristide Maillol and Henri Rousseau, borrowed from Galerie Dina Vierny. Curated by Nicolas-Xavier Ferrand, the exhibition explores mythology, masculinity, and contemporary figuration. Kovařík's figures are described as monumental yet vulnerable, challenging traditional heroic narratives. His marble reinterpretation of Laocoön depicts the figure embracing serpents rather than fighting them, suggesting acceptance over conquest. The gallery positions this as a move from commercial space to cultural institution, fostering dialogue across generations. Kovařík, originally trained as a sculptor, uses bold colors and sand-textured acrylics to create dreamlike compositions. The exhibition runs in 2026 at Galerie Derouillon in Paris.