
View the online publication we released for the 20th anniversary of the painting competition Maľba.

Štefanovičová Anna
I remember that time
2023, oil on acrylic on canvas, 150 x 130 cm
In the years 2016 - 2022, she studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague with Vladimír Skrepl. In 2019, she completed an internship in photography studio 2 at the Prague UMPRUM with Václav Jirásk and Štěpánka Stein. Previously, in 2018, she interned in the studio of guest artist Simon Starling. He lives and works in Prague. Štefanovič's paintings are characterized by strong (basic) colors, large contrasting surfaces and stylized figural motifs. The inspiration seems to come from classical modernism (Malevich, Mondrian), while the execution itself is purely contemporary and light-hearted, devoid of any traces of historicism. The author reaches for objectivity, in her artistic expression it is also obvious that she learned from the Czech environment, where the reference to avant-garde traditions resonates more strongly, without a doubt. He draws from untrained (primitive) creativity, similar to Malevich, he starts from non-academic figuration. She herself admits that she is especially inspired by anyone's enthusiasm for creative activity. She often takes subjects from children's, naive and pilgrimage work or "home art". Her work is based on an intuitive process - she chooses visually typical elements, which she combines with each other with ease. Motivation, thought and the overall concept are important to her. Painting remains a primary discipline for Štefanovičová, although she often complements it (drawing, objects, ceramics).During the process of creation, she actively experiments with various hobby techniques and procedures, as a result, she maintains her own (light, joyful) visual expression across media. Final painting | Remember That Time (2023) is part of a series in which the author was inspired by the visuality of objects with sentimental value. He perceives them as proposed without logical structure and precision, which tire, but at the same time provoke, amuse and also inspire. They often serve as souvenirs or gifts that we don't actually want to throw away for emotional reasons. They decorate our interiors, gardens or even bodies. Štefanovičová expresses her own interpretation and personal relationship to these things, the appearance of which attracts her and brings her back to her childhood. The figures in the paintings are decorated with small objects, pendants, bags that depict these products and perhaps also the memories associated with them.