Adam Kašpar

Adam Kašpar (*1993) is one of the most closely followed figures in contemporary Czech realistic landscape painting. His work focuses on capturing untamed nature, particularly deep forests and geological formations, as well as cosmic galaxies. He studied at the Secondary Art School of Graphics in Jihlava and subsequently graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague in the studio of Martin Mainer.

His painterly expression draws heavily on the 19th-century tradition. Alongside Caspar David Friedrich and Antonín Mánes, his greatest influence is Julius Mařák. Following Mařák’s example, Kašpar captures the evocative atmosphere of the forest, diffused light, and meticulous details observed directly en plein air. He completely excludes human presence from his canvases, building the mood of his works purely through composition and the interplay of light and shadow.

Although his style is considered realist, it is not a literal copy of reality. He frequently alters the scenery in his compositions, combines perspectives from multiple angles, or strips the landscape of all traces of human intervention. Key inspirations include John Ruskin’s concept of the forest as a temple, the work of Josef Váchal, and the analytical approach of photographer Rudolf Janda, who viewed the forest as a single living organism.

Adam Kašpar has exhibited in numerous exhibitions across the Czech Republic and abroad. Among his most notable achievements is last year’s exhibition at the Albertino in Dresden, where his works were displayed alongside those of Caspar David Friedrich.