Inside the Studio
Marek Hospodarsky
Favorite material to work with?
I work in a very traditional way, just brush, oil paint, and canvas. Sometimes I’ll try a harder surface instead of canvas base like a plate, or plastic, etcetera. I have not used acrylic paint even once, though I have no idea why…
What themes do you pursue?
Certainly, the most important theme of my paintings is Man. I have done some landscapes, some still lifes, and some slightly abstract compositions. But behind them all, the main theme is still Man and his difficult path. The most interesting part is the investigation of that which is secret, hidden, and hard to define: the person.
How many years as an artist?
Painting and the world of art fascinated me even as a child. As a youth, I made my first attempts á la Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, et al. But then, I need to take care of my family and for many years I stopped. I didn’t return to painting until around 2009. Since then, I’ve been able to devote my time more intensely, as far as my financial capacity allows. My dream is, of course, to paint full time professionally. I still remain hopeful that I’ll reach it.
Where is your studio?
My studio is in the heart of the beautiful ancient city Prague, next to the River Vltava, in the attic of one of the old Art Nouveau buildings. You could say that it is the perfect location and space. There is no heating, so in the winter I’m forced to paint in the studio in our apartment. Even so, I really like my studio and would not change it.
Prefer to work with music or in silence?
I would say 100% silence, but every once in a while, on the rare occasion I’ll listen to something while I’m working. Usually it’s “Kaleidoscopic” by Lars Horntveth.
What’s around the corner from your place?
As I said, it’s a very beautiful part of the city with two parks nearby and a view of the entire city.
Where can we find you outside the studio?
Most likely in a café in the city center or else far out of town in the deep mysterious forests. Once or twice a year, I’ll go somewhere by the sea. I love the sea, like almost every country-dweller without the sea.
If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?
I would be a writer or musician. “Normal” work, unfortunately for me, I cannot even imagine because I am compulsively creative – forever.
Day job?
Café owner. I have a small café in town. Occasionally, I’m a wall decorator.
What do you collect?
I do not collect anything, except for maybe just beautiful books about my successful colleagues. Also, beautiful movies.
Favorite contemporary artist?
Above all – from my painting this is clearly evident – Luc Tuymans. Also, Wilhelm Sasnal, Marlene Dumas, Peter Doig, Stef Driesen, Julia Schmidt, Cecily Brown, and Neal Tait…
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
Any major work by Edvard Munch or Matisse, I guess.
Who are your favorite writers?
Michel Houellebecq.
Use anything other than paint?
No.
Is painting dead?
Not in the least.
Favorite brush?
Flat with rounded corners.
Palette knives?
Never.
Monet or Manet?
Manet.
