Prague’s Street Art and Performance
Street art and performance in Prague is unique and prominent. We have documented the ways in which street performers and artists in Prague make use of public space, from the bustling Old Town Square to lesser known streets and alleys, presenting the way locals and tourists perceive art, for instance, street performers expect money in return for performance whilst street art is a more liberal form of expression that is accessible to anyone. These 15 photographs comment on the impact street art and performance has on Prague and its people.
Man playing a ‘Didgerdoo’, a brass instrument developed by Indigenous Australians. This is an example of cultural intermingling in Prague.
Illusion of a genie emerging from a lamp, who in exchange for money bows at people. This depicts the nature of interaction between street performers and their audience in Prague.
Bubble Art is the most eye-catching street performance among tourists in Old Town Square. The photos tourists take include bubbles, which gets distributed on social media thus making it a popular attraction.
A display of a ‘baby-clown’ who responds to money, by laughing and swinging in his chair. The absurdity of this performance makes tourists’ experience memorable.
What’s going on here?! Street art performance is the coexistence of courage and danger, attracting tourists but also bringing huge security risks.
“Exotic” street artist captivating tourists. Man shows to visitors pythons in his hand, tourists dodge; Chinese character’s Hana tattoo does not match with its English meanings.
Messages from different languages coming together, an interactive display. This promotes diversity and encourages an positive speech.
David Černý’s ‘Man Hanging Out’ in Prague’s Old Town; the birds flying past bring life to the statue. In terms of street art, reality and illusion, can you distinguish between them clearly?
Live painting can be accessed on the internet, and artworks can be found in galleries. But having both on the streets and alleyways of Prague diminishes the gap between art and life.
Mural of popular Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal in Palmovka. This is a personal tribute to him from local people. The graffiti makes the place more artistic and represents the people’s love of literature.
The length and angle of this wall is fully used by the graffiti artist, creating depth and allure. Street art here is accessible to the people of Prague, giving them a voice.
This photo embodies the concept, “art from life, but higher than life”. Who said that street art cannot keep you grounded?
Caricature artist on the Charles Bridge. Many artists perform and create in this space, turning the bridge itself into a work of art.
Statue of Nicholas Winton rescuing Jewish children from the Nazis during WW2. These statues are both ornamental and have educational significance.
The John Lennon Wall, since the 1980s has been a significant symbol of freedom of expression. It is accessible to locals and tourists to commemorate history and is still used today.
