Description

Ladislav Sutnar Mosaic – Venus, 20×20 cm. Made by Michela of MNM Venice, with glass paste tesserae from the Fornace Storica Orsoni of Venice.

It is part of the series of mosaics inspired by “Venus”.

Designer Ladislav Sutnar (1897-1976) emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States in 1940. He rented a room in New York City in an apartment on 52nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
On his first night, he was dazzled by the reality of the city in total contrast to his distant origins. He saw the world of the street with its dubious forms of entertainment: alcohol sales, foul language and physical vulgarity.
The human being unmasked by the search for temptation. This new society moved before his eyes to the swinging rhythm of night clubs and the glow of red and purple neon reflected on the night sky: a vision that fascinated him and influenced his artistic work from that moment on.

At the beginning of the 60’s he published “Strip Street Series” a daring collection of twelve erotic serigraphs also called “posters without words” (“posters without words” or “Venus” and “JoyArt” ) that unfortunately was soon forgotten. She is remembered by her own words that accompany her works:” In these unbalanced times, from the cold and alienated society,” she wrote, “if paintings can arouse emotions, the mission is accomplished.”

Sutnar understood the courage of Tom Wesselmann, as well as the figures of Matisse and the direct message of Saul Bass’s polychromy, becoming a pioneer in art design. An explosive encounter of style, colors, hedonism and fertility dances that dazzle the viewer. And all this he called “JoyArt”.

Technical Sheet:
Material support: wood
Mosaic size:20 x 20 cm
Oxidized iron frame

Total dimensions: 20×20 cm, thickness 0.2 cm, height 5cm.