Tvorba a osobnost Jany Želibské v kontextu dobových dokumentů
The work and personality of Jana Želibská in the context of contemporary documents

Summary/Abstract: Jana Želibská’s artistic journey reflects the tension between creative freedom and political control in Czechoslovakia during normalization. Known for her bold happenings such as "Snúbenie jari" (1970) and "Oslava slnka" (1972), she challenged patriarchal norms and explored themes of femininity and sensuality within a male-dominated neo-avant-garde scene. Her refusal to participate in the 1968 Danuvius Biennale as a protest against Soviet occupation underscored her commitment to artistic integrity. Despite surveillance by the State Security and restrictions on unofficial art, Želibská maintained a distinctive voice, merging conceptual approaches with reflections on the female body and identity. While official discourse largely ignored feminist perspectives, her work anticipated gender debates and subtly critiqued societal constraints. Though she never aligned with political dissent or underground movements, her art became a silent yet powerful commentary on autonomy and resistance. Supported by a family deeply rooted in the art world, Želibská navigated ideological pressures without compromising her creative vision, leaving an enduring mark on Slovak art history.

• Details
• Contents