Andělé

Angels

Josef Pepa Luňáček – A Czech Pollock with an International Presence Josef Pepa Luňáček is a distinctive representative of contemporary Czech abstract painting. His work is characterised by extraordinary dynamism, pronounced textures and an energy that extends beyond the boundaries of traditional pictorial composition. He develops the principles of gestural and action painting, transforming the movement and layering of colour into essential means of artistic expression. His work has frequently been compared with that of Jackson Pollock, one of the most influential figures of American Abstract Expressionism. This connection has also played a role in the presentation of Luňáček's paintings. In 2015, the exhibition I Am Not Pollock drew attention to the striking parallels between the artistic approaches of the two painters. An important part of Luňáček's artistic career is his presence in France, particularly in Paris. In 2016, his work was presented in the celebrated Parisian district of Le Marais as part of POPUP ART, under the title Josef Lunacek ou Jackson Pollock – artiste tchèque expose. The title itself highlighted the remarkable similarities between the visual languages of the two artists. Luňáček's exhibition history also includes a presentation in which his paintings were placed in dialogue with works by Jackson Pollock. This artistic comparison revealed not only their shared principles of spontaneous action painting but also the distinctive individual character of the Czech painter's work. Luňáček has also exhibited in Prague and Bratislava, and his paintings are represented in private collections in the Czech Republic and abroad. His connection with the French art scene also includes the presentation of large-format canvases through the Paris-based gallery OEUVRISSIM ART. Beyond the dynamic character of his painting, the artist is known for experimenting with modern materials, particularly alkyd paints and specialised surface treatments. His works are distinguished by rich textures, depth of colour and the ability to evoke an intense emotional response. ARTWORK DESCRIPTION Angels – When Light Emerges from Darkness Created in 2016, Angels is a fascinating abstract composition combining the power of painterly gesture with subtle spiritual symbolism. Across its square 100 × 100 cm canvas, the painting opens a dramatic pictorial space formed by streams of blue, silver-grey and white. From the dark centre, hundreds of energetic lines radiate outward, creating an impression of luminous energy, movement and seemingly infinite spatial depth. The central motif consists of two dark, organic forms emerging from the swirling composition. They may evoke angelic beings or their outstretched wings. Their shapes remain open to interpretation, inviting viewers to engage their imagination and discover personal meanings within the painting. The composition suggests a moment in which invisible energy becomes visible. The dark centre contrasts with the luminous streams surrounding and penetrating it, producing a powerful tension between light and shadow, stillness and movement, matter and space. The painting's textured surface plays a fundamental role. Luňáček uses layers of alkyd paint to create a rich relief. Individual streams and lines overlap, merge and diverge, producing a fascinating interplay of light and reflection. Closer inspection reveals an extraordinary variety of painterly marks. Some passages resemble flowing water, while others evoke bursts of energy or swirling fibres of light. The surface consequently appears almost alive. The colour palette is concentrated within shades of blue, ranging from deep midnight tones to delicate silver-grey and white. This restrained palette lends the work elegance while intensifying its emotional impact. An additional characteristic is the specialised NANO surface treatment, complementing the artist's exploration of material and texture. Angels is a painting about energy, light and invisible forces. Rather than telling a specific story, it opens a space for personal experience, imagination and the spiritual dimension of art. CURATOR'S TIP Some paintings captivate us through colour, others through composition. Josef Pepa Luňáček's Angels has the power to immerse us in its energy. What makes this work particularly compelling is the combination of dynamic abstraction and subtle symbolic content. Two dark forms emerging from a luminous vortex may suggest angelic beings whose presence is conveyed not through literal representation, but through movement, energy and light. The painting's sculptural texture deserves particular attention. Under different lighting conditions, the layered surface reveals changing depths and luminous accents. The generous 100 × 100 cm format allows the composition to unfold its full visual impact. Despite its exceptional dynamism, the blue and silver-grey palette gives the work harmony and elegance. We recommend this painting to collectors of contemporary art, admirers of expressive abstraction and those seeking an artwork with a distinctive personality, powerful atmosphere and spiritual resonance. FOR INVESTORS Josef Pepa Luňáček represents a distinctive voice in contemporary Czech abstract painting. His exhibition activities in Paris, the POPUP ART 2016 project and the presentation of his work in dialogue with Jackson Pollock's paintings form noteworthy chapters of his artistic career and place his work within an international context. Angels, created in 2016, is a representative work combining a generous 100 × 100 cm format, fascinating sculptural texture and powerful symbolism. For collectors, the painting's appeal lies in the combination of the artist's distinctive technique, expressive visual language and timeless subject. Its strong character makes it an attractive addition to a collection of contemporary abstract art. The starting price of CZK 90,000 offers an attractive collecting opportunity to acquire a visually compelling work with a distinctive artistic identity.