Czech comic exhibition opens at Taiwan literature museum

The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) in Tainan has launched a new exhibition titled “Here and Now: Contemporary Czech Comics.” This showcase brings together the works of 10 prominent Czech comic artists from the last two decades, alongside a curated selection of Taiwanese graphic novels.

A Revival of Czech Visual Storytelling

The exhibition highlights a recent “revival” of Czech comics, tracing the evolution of the medium through multiple generations of internationally recognized artists. It focuses on the intersection of traditional artistic styles and avant-garde storytelling techniques.

Among the featured creators is Jaromír 99, noted for his black-and-white adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “The Castle.” Other highlighted artists include Lucie Lomová, who explores humanistic themes and historical narratives, and Jiří Grus, recognized for his expressionist use of color.

The collection also features Štěpánka Jislová, whose delicate illustrations examine interpersonal relationships and contemporary emotions. The show was co-curated by Tomáš Prokůpek of the Moravian Museum in Brno and Pavel Kořínek of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

Did You Know? The exhibition is hosted in the basement library of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature and includes a dedicated drawing area where visitors can create and display their own comic works.

Shared Histories and Creative Freedom

Beyond the Czech works, the NMTL has selected more than 40 Taiwanese comic works focusing on “freedom and diversity.” These include Zuo Hsuan’s “The Banana Sprout,” Pam Pam Liu’s “A Trip to the Asylum,” and “The Boy from Clearwater” by Zhou Jian-xin and Yu Pei-yun.

NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang noted that both Taiwan and the Czech Republic share a history of authoritarian rule. This shared background serves as a backdrop for what Chen describes as a current “golden age” of creative development for both regions.

Markéta Lipold Záhumenská, Director of the Czech Center Taipei, emphasized that the new generation of Czech artists has found a unique international voice. This has been achieved through distinctive visual styles and a commitment to addressing social issues and historical narratives.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter observes that by pairing artists from two different regions with similar political histories, the exhibition transforms comic art from mere entertainment into a tool for diplomatic and historical reflection. The focus on “freedom and diversity” suggests that the medium is being used to process collective trauma and celebrate current creative liberties.

Future Artistic Collaborations

This event is a continuation of an ongoing partnership between the NMTL and the Czech Center, which previously collaborated on a Czech children’s book exhibition last year.

Given this trajectory, the two institutions may pursue further joint cultural projects. Such collaborations could potentially expand to other artistic mediums as the “golden age” of creative development continues.

The exhibition, jointly organized by the Czech Center Taipei and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, will remain open to the public through July 31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the “Here and Now: Contemporary Czech Comics” exhibition located?

The exhibition is located in the basement library of the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) in Tainan.

The National Taiwan Museum of Comics – 台灣漫畫博物館

Which Taiwanese works are included in the show?

The museum selected over 40 works, including “The Banana Sprout” by Zuo Hsuan, “A Trip to the Asylum” by Pam Pam Liu, and “The Boy from Clearwater” by Yu Pei-yun and Zhou Jian-xin.

Until when can the public visit the exhibition?

The exhibition will run through July 31.

Do you believe that graphic novels are an effective medium for exploring a nation’s history of authoritarianism?