The Fostinum
The collector is the true resident of the interior. The collector dreams his way not only into a distant or bygone world but also into a better one.
- Walter Benjamin
Czech photomontage came out as an art form in the early 20th century as photomontage transitioned from a commercial art in Central Europe into an official art form. Artists like Karel Teige and Jindřich Štyrský made contact with surrealists in France and brought the principles and playfulness of surrealism to the then Czechoslovakia. Surrealist photomontage translated well into commercial art, as you can see from the numerous book covers above. In addition to surrealism, photomontage was also adopted by functionalist artists like Ladislav Sutnar and the artists of the Zlín postcards above. The functionalist architecture of Zlín, itself a modern creation of the Baťa family, converts well into photomontage, though so do the gothic buildings of Prague. Above, you can see designs from artists like Karel Teige, Ladislav Sutnar, Toyen, Jindřich Štyrský, Josef Šíma, Otakar Mrkvička, and several unknown artists.