“He introduced the world to a new profession: dream maker”: Major Trnka exhibition opens in Prague
A major exhibition dedicated to legendary Czech animator and illustrator Jiří Trnka opened this week at Prague’s Villa Pellé. It brings together both familiar and rarely seen works—from film puppets and book illustrations to paintings and sculptures— showcasing the full range of his creative genius.
Villa Pellé was brimming with visitors on Tuesday for the official opening of Jiří Trnka’s major retrospective. Among those present were Trnka’s son Jan and grandson Matyáš, who now care for the artist’s extensive archive.
The aim of the exhibition is not only to celebrate Trnka’s legacy but also to introduce his work to a new generation, especially children, said curator Martina Vítková:
“Trnka was a Renaissance man – he combined a wide range of fields and skills. He learned everything from the ground up and never got anything handed to him. What he achieved as an illustrator later enriched his film work, and vice versa. That’s why an exhibition showing only his illustrations could never capture the full breadth of his creativity.”
The exhibition presents a wide array of Trnka’s output: film and theatre puppets, early newspaper illustrations, sculptures, floral still lifes, portraits of friends, and self-portraits. Choosing what to include was no small feat, Vítková admitted:
“The decision-making process was very challenging because Trnka maintained a high standard in everything he did. Of course, some works have not been preserved – this is especially evident with the puppets. There could have been more, but many are held in private collections. When it came to the illustrations, we selected from books that are still read today, as well as those that have fallen into obscurity.”
Although Trnka left behind a remarkably rich and varied body of work, his life was cut short when he died at the age of 57. His son Jan, only 12 at the time, recalls how his father's art became a bridge between them:
“It was through his work that I discovered his sense of humour, his artistic principles, his perspective. Of course, I have some childhood memories of him, but the relationship has become more refined over time. The more I engage with his work, the more deeply I understand it. So, what I lacked in personal contact, I’ve been making up for in this way.”
Among his real memories of his father is how he used him as an early audience when developing the story Zahrada (The Garden):
“He first told me The Garden as a story and used me as a sort of test audience to see how I’d react. If I laughed and enjoyed it, he kept it and later illustrated it. But if I wasn’t interested or didn’t find it funny, it didn’t make it into The Garden. So I know characters that aren’t in the book—like the octopus in the fountain. That one didn’t make the cut.”
Trnka’s influence stretches across generations. From Špalíček, Broučci, and The Good Soldier Švejk, to Bajaja, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Garden, his stories and images continue to captivate audiences around the world.
The exhibition’s subtitle, The Story of a Legend, reflects not just the scope of his work but also the essence of who Trnka was. As Vítková explains:
“He was an extraordinarily multifaceted individual who rose from humble beginnings, teaching himself many skills along the way. Everything he achieved was the result of hard work, diligence, focus, and talent.
“His ability to create despite challenging times, I believe, stands as one of the most powerful messages of Trnka’s legacy. He was a truly rare personality—recognized even by figures like Picasso and Brigitte Bardot. He introduced the world to a new profession: dream maker.”
To complement the exhibition, Villa Pellé is offering a rich accompanying program. In addition to guided tours and discussions with Trnka’s now-adult children, visitors can participate in creative workshops for families and educational sessions for school groups, focused on the unique techniques Trnka used in both his illustrations and films.
Meanwhile, Kino Ponrepo will host a special retrospective of Trnka’s films throughout the exhibition. Screenings include restored classics like Špalíček and Old Czech Legends, along with lesser-known gems such as Prairie Aria, The Hand or Cybernetic Grandma.
