Eliška Konečná (b. 1992) is a Czech artist based in Prague whose work navigates the boundaries between the physical and the abstract. Educated at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, Konečná employs a diverse range of techniques and materials, including woodcarving, embroidery, and textile art, to translate intangible realities into tangible forms.
Her artistic exploration is deeply rooted in themes of communication and its limitations. Through her works, she delves into the significance of touch and the intricate relationship between the corporeal and the spiritual. By crafting detailed, hand-made artefacts, she invites viewers to immerse themselves in a liminal space between consciousness and dreamlike states.
Konečná’s art resists conventional chronology, instead aspiring toward a timeless and universal quality that reflects the evolution of artistic expression throughout history. Her style incorporates symbolic and allegorical elements, constructing a visual mythology with figures grappling with moral dilemmas. Her intuitive approach places a strong emphasis on aesthetic expression, evoking an emotional depth that stems from sensory experience. A defining aspect of her work is the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary conceptual art. Her pieces blur the line between decorative and fine arts, reviving a focus on sensuality and human experience. Through layered narratives and symbolic imagery, she examines the complexities of human nature, the dichotomy of desire and consequence, and the interplay between physicality and transcendence.
Her 2023 exhibition Thirst at Polansky Gallery in Prague featured a striking triptych consisting of The Great Sleep, The Great Feast, and The Great Bath. These large textile bas-reliefs explore the fragility of human existence through allegorical figures caught in moments of tension and ambiguity. The Great Sleep and The Great Bath explore themes of nurture, sacrifice, and the paradox of care – whether it is an act of genuine generosity or a futile attempt to impose order on chaos. Meanwhile, The Great Feast examines the complexities of human relationships through the tension between abundance and scarcity, generosity and self-interest. Together, these works confront the viewer with moral dilemmas that resist obvious interpretation, emphasising the fragility and contradictions inherent in human nature. The rich textures and layered materials in these works reinforce the complexity of human relationships and the ambiguity of moral choices.
Hungry for more?Another notable exhibition, A Dry Place to Fall at eastcontemporary in Milan (2023), extended Konečná’s exploration of materiality and symbolism. This show incorporated wooden and textile bas-reliefs along with sculpted objects, blending figurative and abstract elements. The colour layering and overlapping narratives within each piece created a dynamic interplay between the physical and the metaphorical. The use of soft, organic materials contrasted with the weight of the themes explored – desire, resignation, and the acceptance of human limitation. The title itself suggests a contradiction, a safe landing in an arid space, emphasising the irony inherent in the human experience.
Konečná has exhibited internationally, showcasing her work in prestigious galleries such as the ones already mentioned – Polansky Gallery (Prague) and eastcontemporary (Milan), as well as Public Gallery (London), Below Grand Gallery (New York), Rondo Sztuki (Katowice), Karlin Studios, and Berlínskej Model (Prague). In 2021, she participated in the Artist-in-Residence program at MeetFactory in Prague. In 2024, she showcased works such as Harvest, Noontime in July, and We Go and Quench Our Thirst in the Garden at Liste Art Fair Basel, marking a significant milestone in her international presence.
Konečná’s work continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of contemporary art, offering a rich tapestry of symbols, materials, and interpretations that invite viewers to engage with both the tangible and the ephemeral aspects of human existence.
