Lesní Zákoutí 

Curator: Immediately, I’m struck by its intense stillness; a sense of hushed expectancy almost vibrating from this patch of wilderness. It’s not grand or imposing; more a quietly observed, intimate corner of nature. Editor: Exactly. What you are reacting to, in what is titled “Lesní Zákoutí,” we believe may be the work of Maximilian Pirner and is clearly painted in oil with expressive painterly style, the forest seems to close around us. This might reflect, as his style evolved towards naturalism, the public appetite at the time to depict the raw truths of the world, escaping idealism. Curator: You’re right to draw attention to the intimacy. In terms of imagery, the overgrowth depicted in such fine brushstrokes represents more than just landscape. Forests in folklore often symbolized the subconscious and here Pirner may want us to look within ourselves. This particular slice represents, to me, nature reclaiming, revealing decay but, above all, renewal. Editor: But it is in itself the question whether the intention was necessarily spiritual, the theme was more about nationalistic narratives emerging across the landscape art of Bohemia, which sought to emphasize rural life. The style suggests this to be more naturalistic. What seems personal might be perceived as propaganda or visual affirmation, don't you agree? Curator: I see your point, the art’s relationship to wider cultural themes is crucial, however I find myself gravitating back to this painterly style that you brought up. In its brushwork, I read an emphasis less on overt, programmatic messages. Pirner directs our attention back toward the simple organic processes and the cyclical nature of existence as our primal home. Editor: So perhaps Pirner here seeks to embrace this very intimate connection and present in a familiar language for everyone. It remains important for galleries to contextualize such paintings in respect of nationalism but that certainly should not discourage interpreting its aesthetic essence. Curator: Precisely. A welcome insight as ever. Editor: My pleasure, and likewise.