Art that everyone can understand

“If you feel you want to know more about Czech fine art, don't hesitate to find out right here.” Irena Hejdová, Deník N

The world of fine art is full of behind-the-scenes battles. An artist doesn't become famous solely through their talent, imagination, mastery of their craft, or vision. In addition, they must be a skilled salesperson or, even better, their own advertising agent. They must know “the right people.” Jan H. Vitvar embarks on an adventurous journey into places the gallery visitor's eye cannot see, and brings readers a testimony of what the art world is really like.

How did the former rebel of Czech culture, Milan Knížák, become an artistic dictator? Why has the Jindřich Chalupecký Award, which is meant to support emerging artists, evolved into an elitist affair? Who can get into an art university today, and what must they do to graduate? Which gallerists support artists and which ones exploit them? And in art, is it true that money doesn't stink?