Vojtěch Kovařík's São Paulo Exhibition Provokes with Cultural Appropriation

From June 27 to July 31, 2021, Mendes Wood DM in São Paulo hosted Vojtěch Kovařík's exhibition titled 'In the Thickets of Unexplored Places,' showcasing nine large figurative paintings that confront the theme of cultural appropriation. The Czech artist illustrates dark-skinned figures in poses that draw inspiration from colonial art and Greek mythology. Among the standout works are 'Persephone and the Beginning of Summer,' echoing Paul Gauguin, and 'Aphrodite With a Swan,' featuring the goddess depicted with dark skin. The triptych 'Pankration' portrays nude boxers, while '(composition of) Fading Amazones' resembles sculptures by Henry Moore. Kovařík, who has a background in ceramics and sculpture, employs bold lines and acrylic mixed with sand to stimulate dialogue on cultural references amidst ongoing appropriation discussions.