The House on a Pole is a subtle and yet representative work by Štefan Belohradský. The basic principle of this object is the search for its shape that does not reflect on anything, does not refer to anything. He uses the principles of seriality, following the doctrines of ISMs (neoplasticism, constructivism, supermatism, purism, conceptualism) and geometry. The combinatorics and variability he used while working with his materials laid stable foundation for Slovak minimalistic art. The object’s sculptural aspect corresponds with avant-garde utopias. The whole work of the author oscillates on the border of sculpture and architecture. The sense of proportions, shape and rhythm of geometry are the attributes that have an irreplaceable position in the author’s constructivist sense.
The acquisition corresponds with the long-term acquisition policy of the Nitra Gallery whose goal is to extend its collection fund by adding the works of key authors of the domestic art scene who are relevant both locally and as a part of the Central European art scene and their work is represented either minimally or is totally absent from the collection.
Ľudmila Kasaj Poláčková
Štefan Belohradský (30 August 1930 Preseľany — 19 April 2012 Bratislava) he studied at the Faculty of Architecture at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (under the leadership of V Karfík). Between 1954-1959 he studied sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava (under the leadership of F. Štefunko). The artist’s constructivist-geometrical scope of his work is unique in the context of Slovak kinetic art. He created objects using plexiglass, aluminium and stainless steel, making use of various technical and optical properties of the material. He used symmetrical mathematical order in vertical constructions to create visually attractive and timeless pieces. He was a member of the Concretist Club. His work was mostly intended for the public space of residential districts. His materials of preference were plexiglass, concrete, aluminium, stainless steel, stone, polished metal.
The impersonal visual part of Belohradský’s work has a human element hidden inside. The artist used geometrical constructions to create a message for a better, more humane human. The sculptor exhibited many times at important exhibition projects, both national and international ones. In 1970 he presented his work at Expo ’70 in Osaka, Japan. He also participated at the Statues of Piešťany’s Park event several times. His work is a part of both representative art collections of galleries and private collections in Slovakia and abroad.
No.: P–457
Artist: Štefan Belohradský
Title: House on a Pole
Year of origin: 1970
Technique: combined
Material: metal, stainless steel, metal, duralumin
Dimensions: 56,5 x 22 cm
Signature: none