"A painting is a window to a deeper reality," says Jan Knap. Windows open up visible things that can move a person to see what is beyond them. Knap conceives his art as a meditation on life. The seemingly naive and charming depiction of sacred themes actually conceals dramas that the artist conveys in a unique way – he uses Christian symbolism, which in his case can be called "contemplative iconography." This method allows the observer of the artwork to reflect on individual symbols separately, but in the context of the entire work, it reveals a higher meaning. It is an old method of artistic language that touches upon the very semantics of the term "Andachtsbild," a devotional image.
About the exhibition
EXHIBITION: Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise
DATE: June 4 – October 18, 2026
OPENING: June 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Arcidiecézní muzeum Olomouc, Gallery
AUTHORS OF CONCEPT AND CURATORS: Miriam Kolářová, Jan Šícha
EXPERT COOPERATION: Gabriela Elbelová, Jana Hrbáčová, Miroslav Kindl, Martina Potůčková, Miroslav Schubert, Helena Zápalková
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION WORKS: Jakub Barna, Veronika Klimszová, Anna Píšťková
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kateřina Puncmannová
LANGUAGE EDITING: Zuzana Henešová
TRANSLATION: Kateřina Báňová
LENDERS: Jan Knap, Arcibiskupství olomoucké, Biskupství litoměřické, Severočeská galerie Litoměřice, private lenders
Museum open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
Such an understanding of his work highlights the fact that Knap is known for his perfectionism. He repaints and shifts figures and objects, and often does not consider a painting finished for many years. He constantly strives for what he wants to express to be executed in the best possible way. In his perfectionism, we can see his humility and deep awe of the mystery he perceives. Jan Knap brings vibrancy to the rigid world of symbols and gives it a certain kind of tenderness. We look with him at the sacred, which naturally leads us to inner contemplation. An anagogical light breathes from Knap's paintings – it forces us to strive upwards, towards something that transcends us. Knap's artistic expression thus carries the old synecdochic function of sacred images – communicating the mystery of salvation.
publications and guide
The exhibition is accompanied by a publication with rich written and visual material. Expert voices and friends speak in it, older drawings indicate the author's development, reproductions of paintings invite one to Paradise and demonstrate his unmistakable painterly handwriting.
Visitors can use the audio guide in the Cabinet of Wonders application, which can be downloaded to their phones. Thanks to the use of AI, it is also possible to communicate with the electronic guide.
FOR ADULTS: audio guide to the exhibition "Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise"
FOR CHILDREN: audio guide to the exhibition "Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise"
Jan Knap (*1949)
The painter lives in Planá u Mariánských Lázní in a Gothic house he restored.
Before that, he lived in Germany, Brazil, USA, and Italy.
After escaping Czechoslovakia in 1969, he studied with Gerhard Richter in Düsseldorf.
He achieved his first successes in Germany, followed by other countries, especially Italy.
He has exhibited in renowned galleries in Europe and the USA, and there is interest in his work in Japan and Taiwan.
Jan Knap is one of the most internationally successful Czech artists.
Jan Knap: Windows to Paradise
Ends in 26 days
