Collage

The Miłość collage (1968) is one of three works on paper by Milan Knížák in the collection of the National Museum in Szczecin. This work, like others that employ drawing, photography and various objects, constitute a part of the author's critical and analytical discussion with art, the myth of the artist, cultural institutions, originality and artistic independence. The two most important values for the artist are freedom and the ways to manifest that freedom. Knížák’s artistic activities during the communist era were an alternative to the li prevalent lifestyle of that time, as well as a way to oppose the politicised art imposed by the authorities. Milan Knížák is a Czech artist, painter, performer, and musician, who is known for organising and pioneering the first happenings in Czechoslovakia. In 1964, together with his friends, he founded the ‘current art’ (Aktuální umění) group, which was renamed Aktual in 1966. The group organised numerous activities involving random audiences, printed flyers and magazines. Its actions were intended to oppose the official artistic culture, routine and conventions.Knížák was a member of the Fluxus movement – an international avant-garde collective of artists and composers founded in the early 1960s to promote revolutionary changes in art, living art, and anti-art, as well as the head of Fluxus East, starting in 1965. In 1966, he organised the first Fluxus concert in Prague, where he also performed. During the communist era, he was put under surveillance, arrested and faced charges in the famous trial of the Plastic People of Universe (1976). In the 1970s, when he was banned from exhibiting his works in public galleries, he began to pursue areas such as designing psychological jewellery and invisible clothing, which were later replaced by considerations about invisible architecture. He was also involved in music and experiments with sound.

Marlena Chybowska-Butler