Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain review: ‘fresh insights’
Photographer Robert Viglasky at work. Photograph: courtesy Slovak Theatre
For many of us, the words ‘Czech’ and ‘Slovak’ conjure up images of dreamy spires and onion domes, but the Czechoslovak successor states are more than hot holiday destinations.
As a new photography exhibition at the Nunnery Gallery shows, they are hugely diverse.
The show, which is made up of portraits taken by Peaky Blinders photographer Robert Viglasky, were commissioned by Slovak Theatre London, which has since 2017 been promoting the artistic endeavours of those with connections to Slovakia and Czechia.
We see scientists, artists, public servants, entrepreneurs and more – all people who have made their way west and settled in the UK.
The images feature people from all walks of life who have made their home in the UK. Photograph: courtesy Slovak Theatre
These include Peter Kotlár, a Cheshire police constable of Slovak Roma origins who beams pride into the camera.
There is also an evocative image of Shivone Dominguez-Blaščiková, an artist-actress-singer of mixed Cuban and Slovak heritage.
Perhaps most moving is the portrait of holocaust survivor Vera Schaufeld MBE, alongside documents from her youth. The list goes on and on.
These are fascinating images that provide fresh insight into the amazing cultural richness of Central Europe that we have been lucky enough to draw to our shores.
Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain runs until 22 September at Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, E3 2SL.