The set of photographs originated from the beginning with a clear intention, to emphasize the theme of paradoxes. Presented series brings several paradoxes together. From paradox of life and death, nature, without which we are not able to live and consumption paradox which is currently also part of our being.
Individual pictures are served to the audience in the way of “lunch menus“, metaphysic still life pictures overlapping the absurdity of everyday life “digestion“.

The series was nominated for the International FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS, 5th Edition / 2019-2020.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

Scene is paradox of Christmas Eve dinner. “Arabesky“ (jelly bonbons in shape of stars) are kind of sweets, which are traditional for Czech Christmas. The picutre is framed with this festive event, as for each of us has special kind of time limited moments, fragrances and experiences. Lonely, dead stag beetle (one of the biggest insect type in Czech Republic which has to be protected by law, as humans are destroying its natural environment) is a contrast not only of opulence, but also of the joy and happiness which we enjoy all together at Christmas time. Stag beetle is also a prediction of the way how can change Christmas Eve dinner in a few years.

FASTING A LA ASIAN

Scene is a paradox of one of our basic life needs – use of water. Dry bonsai died because of lack of water, while a rubber toy in form of a yellow duck does not need water but paradoxically it has plenty of it. Photography reflects our reckless, unnecessary waste of natural resources and showing our whims. In opposition is nature, which treats all these resources with caution.

SEAFOOD

The scene is a reflection of our being and represents three timelines. Presence which is pictured on a plate in the form of a dried sea shell and refers to the slowly dying sea world, over which we occasionally ponder, regret its condition, but we usually do nothing more for it. We are much more attracted to the possibility of owning a pearl, or preferably a whole necklace and eating a shellfish in a luxurious restaurant while splashing the waves of the nearby sea or ocean. The shade of the sea shell represents the past. It reflects the head of an extinct dinosaur and this ghostly shadow makes us think about our future. The puzzles on the left and right represent the world of fun and games we live with. This simple composition gives to the audience space for deeper thoughts and the play of shadows flirts slightly with the relativity of our perception.

DELICATESSEN FROM THE FOREST

This scene shows the parallel of death and time which is reserved not only for us, but also to the animals, which we kill without thinking just for fun and our pleasure. This period of time is represented on the picture by the antler of the roe deer and accompanied by a fresh conifer twig, laid on a wounded animal and also in the hunter’s lapels (as per hunters custom). The twig is held by a wooden horse (reflection on the past times) and grinder, which represents a metaphor of time.

PRECISELY BOILED EGGS

This scene from all shows the biggest contrast between life and death. The eggs on the candlestick represents the beginning of life and the candles of life with dripping wax (running time). The eggs were “tasted” by someone who has already left our world, but as evidence of its existence here staying its dental prothesis left on the plate. The photography shows transience of life. Here, the audience is left by author space for meditation and reflection on our lives.