Embassy of the Czech Republic in London, 25th October – 10th November 2024.
Karel Čapek’s *Letters from England*, published 100 years ago, has deeply influenced my creative approach, particularly in how I use observation to explore identity, culture, and personal history. Just as Čapek meticulously described British life through his writing, I apply the same observational lens in my photography, but through a more personal medium—fashion.
In my photographic essay, I style a British biracial artist in handmade garments created by my grandmother, blending my Czech heritage with my experiences in Britain. These garments, lovingly crafted, carry personal and cultural significance, much like the letters my grandmother and I exchanged during my time as an au-pair in England. Through these images, I tell my story of connection across generations and cultures, using the clothes as a visual metaphor for the blending of identities.
"Observation is central to both Čapek’s writing and Kroulik’s visual storytelling. This exhibition juxtaposes those intimate exchanges with photographic memories, celebrating how personal observation—whether through letters or images—creates connections across time and space.
These five images, 30x40cm, by a multidisciplinary artist, Lukas Kroulik, emphasize the enduring power of observation in shaping how we document and understand our lives."
Milan Jakobec’s book Bohemia a Albion: captures his experience as a Czech diplomat in London during the transformative 1990s. Through a lighthearted and insightful lens, Jakobec weaves anecdotes and reflections on Czech-British relations, recounting his diplomatic work in an era that saw unique historical moments, such as President Václav Havel’s significant rapprochement with the UK, the Czech national team’s journey to the UEFA final at Wembley, and Princess Diana’s tragic passing. His writing, both engaging and richly informative, offers readers a unique window into the complexities and cultural exchanges of the time.
During his recent appearance at the Czech Embassy in London, Jakobec spoke passionately about his work and also shared his appreciation for Lukas Kroulik’s photographic essay The Art of Observation. Inspired by the essay’s intimate portrayal of one day with Kroulik’s grandmother Hana, Jakobec remarked on how the project captures the essence of personal history reimagined, a sentiment that aligns beautifully with his own reflections on identity and cultural heritage.
Lukas Kroulik’s collaboration with industrial designer Jim Rokos highlights their shared Eastern Bohemia heritage and their University of the Arts London connection. When Jim Rokos sought a glassmaker for his Gauge vase, his choice of Harrachov glassworks—a historic factory in the Giant Mountains—reflects a deep connection to his Czechoslovakian roots. The glassworks produced the vase using traditional methods, which resonate with both Jim’s heritage and the shared cultural influences between him and Lukas. This collaboration merges their creative paths with personal histories, highlighting a shared appreciation for craft and culture.
Special Thanks to
Her Excellency Marie Chatardová, The Ambassador of the Czech Republic
Michal Žižlavský, Third Secretary (Political Section-Press, Public Diplomacy and Culture)
Society of the Čapek Brothers Prague (Společnost bratří Čapků Praha)
Lady Sophie Scruton
Karel Čapek (1890-1938) was a Czech writer, playwright, critic and journalist. He has become best known for his science fiction, including his novel War with the Newts and play R.U.R., which introduced the word robot.
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