Prague, 16 October 06 – The expressive sculpture by Karel Pauzer depicts fantastic animal figures created with naturalistic detail. The artist sculpted his five-member Dog Family in 1988. Unipetrol purchased the sculpture in 2004 and this August donated it to the National Gallery to become part of its permanent exhibition of Czech art on the second floor of the Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace).
"The National Gallery is a prestigious non-profit organisation guaranteeing the presentation of unique works of art, and Karel Pauzer is an acclaimed Czech artist. Hence, our company is immensely pleased that it has been able to contribute to the National Gallery's permanent exhibition and offer its visitors the opportunity to encounter a work of an original Czech sculptor and graphic artist," Francois Vleugels, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Unipetrol, said.
The animal kingdom, including its menacing and macabre aspects, is a source of parables about human beings, about human society itself for Karel Pauzer. The shapes of animal exhibits, always captured in movement and with a conspicuous expression, are taken to bizarre extremes. The artist highlights their dynamics, poses, gestures and facial expressions. The sculptures are grouped into communities or families, thus representing a paraphrase of the human world; cruel and inane manifestations of the human pack. They form an ironic metaphor of humans' instinctive quintessence, their multifarious relationships and feelings, ranging from aggression and fright to tenderness.
Karel Pauzer studied construction ceramics at the studio of Professor Jan Kavan at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague. In the period of Normalisation he wasn't allowed to exhibit and had to earn his living through restoration work. In the late 1960s he settled on a main theme for his works and since that time he has primarily been inspired by the animal and plant kingdoms.
Unipetrol understands the responsibility for the development of national artistic creation and culture. Therefore, as a financially strong company, it has supported various artistic activities.
About Unipetrol:
UNIPETROL holding is a group of companies operating in the petrochemical industry in the Czech Republic. In 2005, UNIPETROL became the part of PKN ORLEN Group, Central Europe's largest down stream Oil Company. UNIPETROL focus is mainly on crude oil processing, distribution of fuels and petrochemical production. In all these areas, UNIPETROL is a major representative in the Czech Republic and an important player in the Central European market. In 2005, UNIPETROL revenues and net profit reached CZK 81 bn, and CZK 3,4 bn respectively.
Contact:
Michaela Lagronová
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Unipetrol, a.s.
Mobile: +420 602/304 708
E-mail: michaela.lagronova@unipetrol.cz
www.unipetrol.cz