Lot 192

Jitka Válová (1922 - 2011) ORCHID

Orchid represents a rare example of a painting study related to the Válová sisters' realisations in public space. Orchid is an almost literal quotation from a glass mosaic placed in Michle - Research Institute of Automation Devices. The mosaic was thought to be lost, but was recently discovered behind the kitchen counter in the building of the then institute. The mosaic is approximately 3.5 x 5.5 metres. According to a photograph from the sisters' archive, where they are both photographed preparing the cardboard for the mosaic, the present work is linked to this piece. Jitka Válová studied at the Secondary Glass School in Železný Brod. There she learned the technique of glass mosaics, etching and sandblasting plate glass, which opened the way for the sisters to make mosaics in public space. Orchids in the form of mosaics also appeared in the bathroom of the Válová Home, Bendlova 6, Kladno.