F2 Prag / Student exhibition of the Studio of Photography II in Munich

In the short period of its existence, the Studio of Photography II of the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) has made itself known more than many other studios. Students' works appear on the pages of leading lifestyle magazines and various exhibitions. This August the Czech Center in Munich will present a collection whose main theme is the inner worlds.

 The F2 Prague exhibition offers various perspectives on the perceptions of the existence of being. It gives an insight into the small worlds around us and in ourselves and brings the viewers closer to subjective views on the fragmentation of today's world. Young photographers find new possibilities within old proven techniques. In many cases, however, they are not afraid to experiment with completely new approaches to photography. The selection, curated by student Ondřej Kubeš includes documentary photographs but also works with 3D space or virtual worlds.

 For example, Lukáš Hlavín is sticking to a documentary style, focusing on footballers and their relationship to sports equipment during the lockdown when they could not play. Through the cycle of photographs, he captured what happens to the player when his cleats are stored away. Ondřej Kubeš was fascinated by the contrasts of agricultural life and current lifestyles, often separated from nature. In the darkroom series, he was inspired by the experience of his own family, where he documented the plucking of hens in a small-town backyard. Student Agnes Willow chose the completely opposite approach, immersing herself in virtual dimensions. She created her perfect world within the computer game The Sims. She mediates to the audience what it's like to experience true summer love, go on a dream vacation or build sandcastles with Kim Kardashian. Samuel Petráš analyzes in the exhibited photographs his inner feelings and debates existence in the real world. His main theme is the soul trapped in a body with a given appearance, genetics, and needs, capturing a new X-era and gender issues.

 The collection of works by 14 photographers presents a diverse view of young people on the world, their inner perception of existence, and observations of what is happening around them and in themselves. At the same time, it is a demonstration of a very advanced and thoughtful approach to selected topics and works with photography.

Exhibiting students:
Jakub Delibalta, Lukáš Hlavín, Alžběta Chrudimská, Ondřej Kubeš, Iurii Ladutko, Samuel Petráš, Miriam Pružincová, Matěj Racek, Markéta Slaná, Kateřina Sýsová, Viktorie Macánová, Agnes Willow, Adéla Zlámalová, Barbora Žentelová.
Curator: Ondřej Kubeš
Pedagogical leadership: Václav Jirásek, and Štěpánka Stein.
Graphic Design: Jakub Novotný.