Jan Valik
Degree: MA Painting
University: Royal College of Art
Graduation Year: 2024
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Jan Valík, a painter based in London, creates works that explore the intricate relationship between human perception and the landscape. His paintings balance abstract and figurative elements, creating spatial and pictorial ambiguity that invites viewers into a realm where imagination and reality converge. Valík's work addresses contemporary issues such as global displacement, environmental anxiety, and posthumanist understandings of histories, reflecting a profound engagement with the world around him.
Valík describes his paintings as "territories and/or ecosystems," where accidental marks can lead to unexpected shifts of imagination. His fascination with brushwork's capacity to conjure and imply fictive spaces is evident in his meticulous layering of paint, which evokes ideas and abstract atmospheres. This process of balancing the perception of space opens further associative and metaphorical qualities, transforming traces into visions.
Having participated in numerous artist-in-residence programs across the globe, Valík's work is enriched by diverse cultural influences and experiences. His exhibitions span continents, showcasing his ability to resonate with a wide audience. Currently completing his MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art, Valík continues to push the boundaries of abstract and figurative painting. His advanced studies and participation in prestigious programs underscore his growing reputation and make his work highly sought after by discerning collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Artist Statement
I think of my paintings as territories and/or ecosystems. From accidental marks that can lead to unexpected shifts of imagination to patiently developing painting’s layers, I’ve been always fascinated with the brushwork’s capacity to conjure and imply fictive spaces, evoke ideas and abstract atmospheres.
Balancing the perception of space to open its further associative and metaphorical qualities, my painting practice is a continuous effort for the metamorphosis of a trace into a vision.
Solo Exhibitions
(2023) Small Infinities, Galerie Amart, Vienna, Austria
(2022) Shifting Places, Husk Gallery, Brussels, Belgium
(2022) Breakthrough, L.L. Contemporary, Toronto, Canada
(2021) Landscapes, Galerie Amart, Vienna, Austria
(2020) Verge, Husk Gallery, Brussels, Belgium
(2019) Abstract Reality and Temporary Neighborhoods, Industra Art, Brno, Czech Republic
(2019) Triple vision, Cin Cin Gallery, Bratislava, Slovakia
(2018) Inner weather, Chisou Gallery, Komono, Japan
(2018) Uncertain territories, ABC Gallery, Bratislava, Slovakia
(2017) Plethora and a quet world, Niche Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
(2016) Fragile garden, Art Space Nov, Pardubice, Czech Republic
Group Exhibitions
(2023) Echo of the Depth in Space, Pragovka Gallery, Prague, Czechia
(2022) Selects pt. 2, London Paint Club x Koppel Projects, London, UK
(2022) Now Introducing, Studio West, London, UK
(2022) RWS Open, Bankside Gallery, London, UK
(2021) Contemporary British Painting Prize 2021, Huddersfield Art Gallery, Huddersfield, UK
(2021) Of Other Places: Gardens of Dreams, Art Exchange, Colchester, UK
(2020) In Arcadia, Husk Gallery, Brussels, Belgium
(2019) Room with a View, Niche Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
(2019) Muster Actions, Star Art Gallery, Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, Chongqing, China
(2019) Expansion of Reality, Gallery Amart, Vienna, Austria
(2018) Plain Air Valdis Bušs, Mark Rothko Art Center, Daugavpils, Latvia
(2017) Tao Hua Tan, Gallery of Xuancheng Library, Xuancheng, China
(2017) Floating Fellows, Motoazabu Gallery, Saku, Japan
(2017) L’art Slovaquie, Gallery of Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, France
(2016) “2016”, DOT. Contemporary, Bratislava, Slovakia
(2016) Subtilities, DOT. Contemporary, Bratislava, Slovakia
(2016) Finalists of Painting 2016, Nedbalka Gallery, Bratislava, Slovakia
(2015) disJOINTED, MauMau Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
(2015) Finalists of Painting 2015, Nedbalka Gallery, Bratislava, Slovakia
(2014) Drawing Box, Associazione Culturale Luci e Ombre, Bologna, Italy
(2013) Drawing Box, Ranelagh Arts Centre, Dublin, Ireland
(2013) Drawing Box, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland
(2013) Beyond That Place, Gallery AVU, Prague, Czech Republic
(2013) Anonymous Drawings, Galerie Delikatessenhaus, Leipzig, Germany
(2013) Anonymous Drawings, Galerie Nord/Kunstverein Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany
(2012) Diplomanti, National Gallery in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
(2016) Painting 2016 Prize, VUB Foundation, Intesa Sanpaolo Group
(2015) Shortlisted, Painting 2015 Prize, VUB Foundation, Intesa Sanpaolo Group
(2011) Shortlisted, EXIT Award 2011, University of JE Purkyne
(2021) Shortlisted, Contemporary British Painting Prize 2021
(2022) Shortlisted, Now Introducing Award, Studio West, London