Prague's notorious artist

David CernyDavid Cerny, 42 is one of Prague’s most famous and controversial artists. Most noted for his sculptures like “A tower baby” where giant sized black steal babies crawl up the television tower of Prague or “Statue of a man hanging by one hand” which hangs almost unnoticeable on a side street of Old Town Square, Cerny is a modern artist who is always trying to break social and artistic barriers. One, David was arrested for painting a Soviet Tank pink and later created a work called ‘Shark’, an image of Saddam Hussein in a tank of formaldehyde. The work was banned twice for fear that it would outrage Muslims in Eastern Europe. Though I was unable to attend his lecture at NYU, a friend told me that he came across as arrogant. She said that, “it was like he was trying to prove how much of a badass he was and swore a lot.” Other friends said they enjoyed seeing him regardless of the way he spoke. David rides around the city on a bicycle and old torn clothes despite his success in the world of art. His emanating “too cool for school” spirit has made him an international art icon. Most recently, David was commissioned by the Czech Republic to create a work that would symbolize Prague holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The work, entitled “Entopa” essentially satirizes the stereotypes of European Nations. David also failed to collaborate with other artists as the contract had defined. Despite the controversy he causes, I appreciate his work. Art is skeptic. That’s why it’s made in the first place. Since the Czech Republic has commissioned Cerny to make art for the city prior to “Entropa” (which is right now in Brussels), it surprises me it caused an upset. Afterall, this is the rich, rebellious David Cerny we’re discussing.