Thermometer 1930

Mikuláš Galanda made this drawing, titled "Thermometer," using ink on paper. It presents a face alongside a thermometer, and it speaks to a time of artistic and cultural transformation in Slovakia. Galanda was a key figure in the development of modern Slovak art in the interwar period. The face has a timeless quality, evoking classical sculpture, yet it's juxtaposed with modern imagery. Galanda was deeply engaged with the social role of art. He co-founded the Group of Slovak Artists, which sought to define a modern Slovak visual identity. This movement challenged the conservative artistic establishment and aimed to connect art with everyday life. The presence of the thermometer suggests broader issues of health and well-being. Galanda explored visual codes and cultural references, questioning existing social norms through his art. By examining the historical context, artistic manifestos, and critical reception of Galanda's work, we can better understand the role of art in shaping cultural and national identity during this period.