David Černý is one of the most renowned contemporary Czech sculptors, often described as a creator of entities. He crafts unprecedented images that blend humor, provocation, and social and political satire. Černý’s works frequently spark sharp criticism from the public; however, several of his installations in Prague have gained wide recognition and have become prominent landmarks of the Czech capital.
1 “Head of Franz Kafka”
The sculpture of Franz Kafka stands near the Quadrio shopping center, close to the Národní třída metro station. The design of the statue ensures it operates smoothly under typical Prague weather conditions. During severe cold or snowfall, a special cover is placed over the statue.
2 “Babies”
Another masterpiece by David Černý is the black shiny crawling babies. Initially, 10 of these babies were vertically installed on the Žižkov Television Tower in 2000 as part of the “Prague – European City of Culture” project. After its grand success, the black “Babies” (Miminka) became a signature feature of the tower from 2001 onwards.
3 “Babies” on Kampa Island
The “Babies” installation was opened in 2008 near the Kampa Museum. Each sculpture weighs approximately 100 kilograms and stands 2.5 meters tall. The figures of children with barcodes on their faces are intended by Černý to symbolize a protest against abortions.
4 “Horse”
In 1999, on the eve of the millennium, David Černý created his famous piece “Horse” (Kůň), depicting St. Wenceslas sitting on the belly of his dead horse. The sculpture stands 470 cm high and 290 cm long.
5 “Peeing Figures”
Another controversial work by David Černý is the sculpture-fountain “Peeing Figures,” depicting two urinating adult men who turn within a specific sector. It was installed in 2004 near the Franz Kafka Museum. The bronze sculpture stands 210 cm tall.
6 “Embryo”
Another unusual sculpture by David Černý is called “Embryo.” The building hosting this remarkable sculpture is the Na Zabradli Theatre. Černý created the sculpture in 1996 using three materials—plastic, metal, and epoxy resin.
7 “Quo Vadis”
This bronze sculpture, depicting a Trabant car on four legs, was created by David Černý in 1990. It symbolizes the mass emigration of East Germans to West Germany. The title translates from Latin to “Where are you going?”
8 “Hanging Out”
In Prague, on Husova Street, there is a unique sculpture of Sigmund Freud—”Hanging Out,” depicting Freud hanging by one hand from a rooftop. This statue of the famous psychologist was created by the provocative Czech sculptor David Černý in 1997 and stands 220 cm tall.
9 “Entropa”
“Entropa” is a sculptural composition created by David Černý in 2009. The composition was dedicated to the start of the Czech Republic’s presidency of the European Union. Initially, it was claimed to be created by 27 artists and artist groups from various EU countries, but it was later revealed that only Černý and three of his assistants were involved.
10 “Red Cars” on the wall of MeetFactory
The unrelenting imagination of avant-garde sculptor David Černý led to the creation of the “Red Cars” sculptures. These two suspended cars adorn the building of the contemporary art center MeetFactory, located on the grounds of a railway depot in Smíchov.
