David Cerny’s work can be seen every where in Prague, literally and figuratively.  The climbing babies on the Ziskov Tower in our original masthead photo are the prime example.

So after three months there we thought his name and reputation would be well known around the world.  But, to date, we have yet to have a conversation with anyone else who had heard of him.  In a Wikipedia search a footballer is ranked ahead of the artist.

When acquaintances ask us why we love Prague so much we usually waffle on about the architecture and the compactness of the city.  Now I am thinking I will just answer, David Cerny.  I think his art epitomizes the Czech character:  fun loving with depth.

We visited his Entropa in the DOX Museum.  This piece was commissioned by the EU to memorialize the Czech Republic’s term in the EU Presidency.  But I heard Cerny had to return the kc350,000 fee because the work made fun of most of the EU member countries depicted.

Click to enlarge or save to your computer to zoom in on the countries.  Some are obvious, others need the printed guide.

Entropa probably received the most international coverage but the work that is mentioned in most Prague guide books is Saint Wenceslas Riding a Dead Horse located in the Lucerna Palace.

While checking out the Franz Kafka Museum we discovered this kinetic sculpture by chance.  Click this link for a short video of Pissing Men.  Jeffery Martin tells the details here

Cerny is still active so we look forward to seeing what’s next and touring his Meet Factory on our next trip to Prague.

July 2012 Update:  Cerny is big in London:  Push-up Bus