„Valentýna Janů shows an accomplished use of moving image and installation strategies addressing the life questions determined by the world of technology, patriarchal system and climate change. Her vivid imagery and strong textual or narrative base result in convincing cross-media work.“ (jury statement)

Valentýna Janů (1994) graduated from Prague’s FAMU in photography and later studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague (Studio of Intermedia Work II/Dušan Zahoranský and Pavla Sceranková School). Her suggestive installations often combine spectacular videos and video essays in environments completed by fabrics and other materials and objects. They playfully address big life questions determined by the world of technology, patriarchal system and climate change. Valentýna Janů explores the relations between the daily struggles of individuals and the global perspective. Despite being rather critical, her work is also almost obsessively romantic, with the hopeful shine of the golden hour. The artist recently presented her work at EXILE Gallery in Vienna (2019), National Gallery Prague (2018) and AQB Project Space in Budapest (2018).

CJCH 2021/ Artist talk Valentýna Janů