Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Jiri Hilmar Biography
Jiří Hilmar, born on May 28, 1937, in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, is a distinguished artist whose work spans across painting, sculpture, and graphic art. His journey into the world of art began with his education at the College of Decorative Arts in Prague from 1952 to 1956, where he studied under the tutelage of Professor Richard Pípal. This foundational period set the stage for Hilmar's exploration of space, not merely as a physical dimension but as an environment influenced by historical and social contexts, shaped by human existence.
In 1967, Hilmar became a founding member of the Klub konkrétistů, marking his entry into a collective that sought to explore the concrete in art. This period was crucial for his development as an artist, as it was during these years that he began to draw attention with his series of optical reliefs, establishing himself as a significant figure in the op-art movement. Op-art, or optical art, is characterized by the use of optical illusions, and Hilmar's work in this genre was notable for its exploration of visual perception through simplified and free forms, delving into the heart of visual experience.
Hilmar's fascination with the kinetic principle in art, questioning what can move - whether it be an object, light, or the viewer's gaze - led to the creation of his famous paper reliefs. These works, meticulously crafted by folding strips of paper into large square frames in various systems, transitioned from monochrome to incorporating circles and colors like red, blue, and black. These compositions ingeniously assembled into structures with optical qualities, explored the aesthetic magic of geometry and the spatial possibilities of a two-dimensional surface.
In 1969, Hilmar's life took a significant turn when he moved to Germany. This relocation did not hinder his artistic pursuits; instead, it broadened his horizons. During his time in Germany, he co-founded the artist group Die Gruppe Gerade in 1983 and, in the mid-1990s, participated in a research residence in Chile. His teaching assignment at the University of Valparaiso in 1994 further exemplifies his commitment to sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of artists.
The 1980s marked a shift in Hilmar's artistic medium from paper to wood, a material he found to be rich in memory, musical quality, and special poetry. His work with wood, using traditional tools to combine ground and roughly unpolished surfaces, reflects his deep relationship with nature. Through his sculptures, Hilmar plays with opposites, drills square holes in round shapes, and carves fruits, embodying the creative power he finds in nature.
Hilmar's contributions to the art world have been recognized through various accolades, including honorary citizenship awarded by his native city of Hradec Králové in 2013. After years of living abroad, this acknowledgment contributed to his decision to return to the Czech Republic permanently.
Throughout his career, Jiří Hilmar has exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums, both domestically and internationally. His artworks, which include a selection of objects and reliefs created between 1977 and 2002, are key to understanding his musings on the relationship between humans and nature. These works, crafted from wood, encapsulate Hilmar's contemplation on the forceful shattering of naturally-grown wholes into artificial structures, the reverse process of connecting fragments into a whole, and the contemplative level of mutual permeation between natural energy and the artist's creative energy.
Jiří Hilmar's artistic legacy is a testament to his exploration of space, perception, and the relationship between humanity and nature. His work, deeply rooted in the principles of Concretism and op-art, continues to inspire and challenge viewers, inviting them to perceive the world through a lens that blends art, nature, and human existence into a cohesive whole.
Jiri Hilmar Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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