CCAiB w/ Lucie Nováčková, Klara Hobza & Marthe Howitz about (RE)Union

This episode highlights the artistic journey and innovative
projects spearheaded by Czech artist Lucie Nováčková during her
residency with Culterim in Biesenthal, Germany, initiated by the
Czech Centre Berlin.


Her project, Reunion, explored themes of connection,
transformation, and self-discovery through a 430-kilometer
pilgrimage from Prague to Berlin. Along the way, Lucie documented
her experiences using journal entries and a textile map, merging
traditional craft with conceptual artistry. She emphasized the
parallels between physical movement and the act of sewing, using
a red thread to metaphorically “embroider” the landscape. Her
journey also delved into feminist perspectives, midlife
reflection, and the intimate relationship between humans and
their environment, drawing inspiration from Czech literary
traditions and her personal history.


Lucie's collaboration with her cousin, Berlin-based artist Klara
Hobza, marked the culmination of Reunion. Their connection
revealed striking similarities in their artistic approaches, such
as exploring landscapes through physical experience—Lucie by
walking, Klára through scuba diving European rivers to uncover
hidden histories. Biesenthal, with its vibrant artistic community
and tranquil natural surroundings, provided a supportive space
for this project. Culterim residency program, which prioritizes
collaboration and personal growth within a familial atmosphere,
enriched Lucia’s experience. The initiative exemplifies the
potential of creative residencies to foster deep artistic
inquiry, intercultural exchange, and enduring bonds among
artists.


This was first year that the Czech Centres offered a two-month
residency to an artist from Czechia in collaboration with
Culterim and IDU, initiated by the Czech Centre Berlin as part of
the long-term project Contemporary Czech Art in Berlin (CCAiB),
which aims to promote mapping, information and connections in the
field of contemporary visual art between the Czech Republic and
Berlin/Germany.