Punk’s not dead
iron, glass, granite
The artist's intention is “perfectly” thought through, including possible and at times impossible connotations — but perhaps that is exactly why he refrains from commentary of the “what the poet meant to say” kind and leaves the eye and the brain of the kind observer complete freedom in reading the work. For how do you look for objectivity in something as thoroughly subjective as the perception of art?
What the sculpture looks like
The sculpture Punk's Not Dead by Libor Hurda stands at the edge of the flat roof of the side wing of the Budweis hotel. It is a striking metal sculpture, somewhat smaller than a life-size human figure. It measures roughly 160 centimetres. The object stands on a small metal plinth, which may in fact be part of the building's technical equipment.
The sculpture shows a human figure in simplified form. The figure spreads both arms out to the sides in a gesture that can read as welcome or as defiance. The arms are horizontal and straight, recalling an embrace or the symbolic shape of a cross. Both hands make the same gesture: the middle and ring fingers are bent and touch the palm, while the other fingers stay extended.
The torso is elongated and flows smoothly into a base that gradually narrows towards the bottom. It recalls a tree trunk or a totem. In the area of the lap there is a small protrusion emerging from the otherwise smooth surface of the body.
The features of the face are realistic. Even so, it is very hard to tell the age of the person shown. It could be a child just as easily as someone over fifty. It is equally hard to tell whether this is a man or a woman. The face is tilted slightly upwards and pushed a little forward. It is gently rounded. The nose is delicate and slightly turned up. The eyes are small and closed. The mouth is strongly modelled, but also closed. The face in itself expresses no emotion. The slight forward thrust of the head and neck, however, gives the impression that the figure is waiting for something. At the same time the slightly raised head strengthens a sense of self-assurance and openness.
Much of the head is smooth. The most striking element of the whole sculpture, though, is the dramatic mohawk growing from the crown of the head. This stylised punk hairstyle is made of seven glass bottles. The bottles create a rhythmic, jagged silhouette that contrasts sharply with the otherwise smooth and compact surface of the figure.
How to find the sculpture
Hotel Budweis, Hradební street, České Budějovice. The sculpture stands at the edge of the flat roof of the hotel's side wing, on a small metal plinth. It cannot be approached: it can only be seen from the street below and cannot be touched.
