by Rob Warren |
As the long term chill closes in, Prague’s citizens are heading indoors. And what better way to enjoy the approaching winter than with a cup of čaj, a warm atmosphere and an array of world class photography?
Unless you were planning a visit to the zoo, rarely has there been a reason to go to Troja. But this Saturday saw the opening of the latest collection of photographs by Stano Murin. Displayed in the relaxing ambiance of the Kavárnička cafe, Murin’s series of stills from various Australian locations give customers a taste of the exotic as they enjoy the cafe’s many delights.
Murin, a well travelled Slovak, began his journey with photography back in 1991. Since then he has lived and worked all around the world, including Australia, Aruba, Belize, Cuba, France and The UK. His pieces have been displayed in various exhibitons, most notably in New York and Amsterdam. Murin’s global experiences have helped form and develop his art medium, in this case, creating a very personal look at the distant continent of Australia.
The collection contains an array of photography techniques, each conjuring a different mood; from dark storm clouds gathering over the Indian Ocean, to a haggard and contorted piece of driftwood left embedded in a sandy beach. Murin’s work shows the beauty of Australia, once his home, by using original perspectives and lighting to achieve his desired affect.
The exhibition will run until the New Year, with all the pieces available for purchase, which have so far proven popular. Murin will be leaving his seasonal home of Prague with his partner at the end of year to plant new roots once again in Australia. This will therefore be his last presentation of work in the city of spires for some time.
Many a weekend passes in a blink of an eye, so why not make a change to the usual routine. Head to Troja, visit the zoo, admire the animals as they wish for warmer weather (except the penguins, I assume) then heat yourself up in Mrs. Valentova’s cozy cafe surrounded by Murin’s vivid views from down under.
The Kavárnička cafe is located at the Kovárna bus stop, one before the zoo (Zoologická zahrada), on the 112 bus from Nádraží Holešovice metro.
Rob Warren can be reached at robert.warren@aauni.edu
