Ladislav Černý: Sculpting the Human Experience

Born in Bratislava in 1965, Ladislav Černý's artistic journey is marked by a rigorous academic foundation and a deep engagement with the human condition. He honed his skills at the School of Applied Arts (Photography and Commercial Graphics), the Art Academy in Bratislava, and the Hochschule der bildenden Künste in Dresden, culminating in a Diploma in Restoration (Prof. Dr. Ingo Sandner, 1991). Concurrently, Černý pursued his passion for painting and sculpture, studying under esteemed professors Hort Jokusch, Friderun Bonzin, and Günter Jakob.

Since 1999, Černý's work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe, including Slovakia, Austria, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. He is a respected member of several Slovak artists' associations: the Association of Slovak Artists, the Slovak Art Association, and the Society of Free Artists.

Beyond his renowned restoration work for prestigious institutions and artists, including Hermann Nitsch, Černý's art is characterized by a compelling interplay of monumentality and expressive directness, tempered by sensitivity and vulnerability. He captures "snapshots of everyday life," translating the ordinary into powerful artistic statements.

BURN-IN proudly introduced Černý's work to the Viennese public in its 2019 Summer Exhibition, featuring a compelling selection of bronze, steel, and wood sculptures, alongside his provocative "Tongue" series. In these large-scale works, the tongue becomes a potent symbol of communication, connection, self-expression, and even the life-affirming creative force. The sheer scale and dramatic colors of these pieces evoke a sense of both world-weariness and resolute strength, drawing the viewer into a visceral experience.

Černý's sculptural practice explores the complexities of human existence, manipulating the inherent qualities of his chosen materials – their resistance and malleability, warmth and coldness – to convey profound emotional truths. Beneath the monumental surface lies a palpable sensitivity, inviting the viewer to share in moments of joy and sorrow. Unbound by artistic paradigms, Černý crafts compelling narratives of ordinary people navigating their everyday lives, infused with a meditative undercurrent that encourages personal reflection.

His diverse international education, combined with his unique artistic vision, has solidified Černý's position as a significant contemporary artist. He lives and works in Ivanka pri Dunaji near Bratislava and in Vienna.