World-Renowned Photography Project 1. Republika

Lecture with projection - Angelo Purgert

Photographer Angelo Purgert drew inspiration from the social atmosphere of the First Republic, but deliberately avoided simply copying period photographs, so as not to merely replicate the golden age of the Czechoslovak state. The result is original photography that draws from the First Republic while remaining open to contemporary interpretation - evident in the scene arrangements, model poses, and technical and lighting execution.

Authenticity comes from the venues themselves: First Republic cafés Louvre, Imperial, Slavia and Adria, Art Deco hotels Imperial, Ambassador - Zlatá husa, Art Nouveau Palace and Hotel Paříž, Myšák Confectionery, the National Technical Museum, and the Czech restaurant and dance hall Republika. Photography also took place in the Municipal House and Lucerna Palace, as well as in the streets and parks of old Prague.

The project was created between 2009 and 2018 with the participation of nearly 160 people working without fee, giving it a charitable dimension. In recent years, charitable exhibitions of 1. Republika have been held throughout the Czech Republic and worldwide, including at the Municipal House in Prague and the Grand Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, with proceeds supporting children. Photographs from the project have won numerous international awards.

The lecture is part of the 1. REPUBLIKA & ART DECO exhibition at Gallery One One, which combines contemporary art with the elegance of the First Republic and Art Deco aesthetics. The project is created in collaboration with Angelo Purgert and is complemented by exhibitions from Aristocrat Vintage featuring period fashion and Coffee Museum Alchymista dedicated to the history of coffee. The exhibition has been supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture and also has a charitable dimension.