This exhibition is the pinnacle of an extensive international project mapping the term decadence in contemporary art and simultaneously continues previous examinations of this term in fine art at the turn of the 19th century. Decadence is an often discussed theme in contemporary culture, feelings of hopelessness and crisis in contemporary civilization initiate an increase in the darker (decadent) side of the human inner soul as well as the world itself. Decadent art is extreme, it often transcends the limits of what is generally acceptable, it breaks down the most sensitive taboos in a provocative manner. It initiates, it demands formulation and a clear position and is irreconcilable with indifference. The exhibition will take place simultaneously at the Rudolfinum Gallery in Prague and the Brno House of Arts; the Prague presentation is divided into five section-chapters by curator Otto M. Urban, which should map the main thematic spheres of decadent departure through the aid of primarily international art work, including Czech artists, the majority of which belong to the most renowned in contemporary art.
The Brno exhibition will present the art of Joel-Peter Witkin.

Joel-Peter Witkin
His work often deals with such themes as death, corpses (and sometimes dismembered portions thereof), and various outsiders such as dwarfs, transsexuals, hermaphrodites, and physically deformed people. Witkin's complex tableaux often recall religious episodes or famous classical paintings.

The exhibition is not suitable for children and young people under 15 years of age.

01 10 — 28 11 2010