Reason to Stay (I.)

Jan Valik

Notable Achievements 2023
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In 2024 Jan Valik had solo exhibition titled ‘Levity’ at Chamber in Vienna, Austria (24 September – 21 November) and also graduated from Royal College of Art in London, during which he was awarded Rose Finn-Kelcey Bursary and The Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship. His group exhibitions include: tNoHo Gallery, titled ‘Hazy Horizons’, London, Norito Gallery, titled ‘Moving Stones Gather No Moss’, London, L.L. Contemporary,  titled ‘Both: Inwards and Out There’, Toronto, Canada, Galerie Amart, titled ‘Abstract on Paper’, Vienna, Austria. Jan is currently Studio West Artist in Residence in Wimbledon, London (until March 2025). He has upcoming solo exhibitions at Megafield Gallery in Beijing, China and Galerie Amart in Vienna, Austria . His work was also acquired to the important collection of contemporary art Andrea and Manuela Bille from the RCA 2024 Show.

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.