April 15 – May 29, 2023
In 1964, on his first visit to Prague, Lee Freeman met the artist Jiří Mrázek and through this friendship began a life-long interest and passion for collecting contemporary Czech art. During this period it was very difficult, and often forbidden, for artists to show unsanctioned work. Freeman assisted these artists by transporting their work to the USA where he would sell them and send the proceeds back to Czechoslovakia along with paint and other art supplies unavailable to them.
Artists Caught Behind the Iron Curtain highlights many of the superb artists from the communist period. The exhibit shows the varied work and tells the stories of the artists who struggled to express their talent, even risking imprisonment, at a time when socialist realism was the only government-sanctioned approach to art.
4 Comments. Leave new
Hello, I live in Chicago and am a member of the NCSML and wonder if a brochure or pamphlet was published in conjunction with this exhibit? [Artists caught behind the Iron Curtain]
I am interested in purchasing such booklet or announcement.. Wish I could see the work in person…….
Thank You,
Virginia dePIntor
Hi Virginia,
We did not have any materials made for this exhibit, unfortunately.
I am Magda (Polesná) Schay of Oregon. Last year I donated some kroj items and have other Czechoslovak items and paintings that may be of interest to the museum. I have misplaced the contact info/person. I am a granddaughter of Marie Probazníková and most of these items were hers.
or 541-588-0649
Thank you for reaching out, Magda. Someone from NCSML will be in touch with you.