On September 11, 2025, the exhibition “Eastern Slovak Modernism – Dream of the Homeland” (Východoslovenská moderna – Sen o rodnom kraji) was inaugurated in Prague as part of the ongoing cycle “Art of the Regions of Slovakia” (Umenie regiónov Slovenska). The event highlights the richness of Slovak regional art and the cultural heritage of Eastern Slovakia, presenting works that combine modernist aesthetics with themes of tradition, identity, and the emotional connection to homeland.

The exhibition opened under the auspices of H.E. Martin Muránsky, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Czech Republic, whose patronage underscores the cultural dimension of Slovak diplomacy in Prague. His involvement not only lent prestige to the event but also reflected the importance of art as a bridge between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, two nations deeply bound by shared history and cultural ties.

The Exhibition and Its Themes

“Eastern Slovak Modernism – Dream of the Homeland” introduces Czech audiences to artists and movements rooted in the eastern regions of Slovakia, a part of the country that has long produced innovative yet regionally inspired works. The exhibition explores how modernist expression was shaped by local traditions, landscapes, and folklore, resulting in a unique synthesis of European artistic currents and Slovak cultural motifs.

The title, Dream of the Homeland, captures the emotional thread running through the collection: the longing for one’s roots, the depiction of landscapes and villages, and the artistic expression of national identity. In the broader context of Slovak art, the works stand as testimony to how regional voices contribute to a collective cultural narrative.

Part of the “Art of the Regions of Slovakia” Cycle

This exhibition belongs to the wider series “Art of the Regions of Slovakia,” a project designed to showcase the diversity of Slovak artistic traditions across different geographic and cultural contexts. Each installment of the cycle presents a region of Slovakia, highlighting both historical continuity and modern innovation in art.

The program aims to familiarize Czech audiences with the variety of Slovak art, beyond Bratislava and the capital’s institutions, and to draw attention to regional voices that enrich the country’s cultural landscape.

Cultural Diplomacy and Slovak–Czech Relations

The opening of this exhibition also serves as an act of cultural diplomacy. Ambassador Martin Muránsky, in his address, stressed that cultural exchange remains a cornerstone of Slovak–Czech relations. By supporting such initiatives, the Embassy of Slovakia in Prague ensures that Slovak art is present and visible in Czech public life.

Cultural diplomacy has long been a vital aspect of the Czech–Slovak partnership. Events like this not only foster appreciation of artistic heritage but also provide opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. They underline that, while politics may at times differ, cultural ties remain deep and enduring.

Conclusion

The exhibition “Eastern Slovak Modernism – Dream of the Homeland” is more than a display of art—it is a celebration of Slovak identity, regional creativity, and cross-border cultural exchange. With the support of Ambassador Martin Muránsky, the show reinforces the shared cultural space that continues to connect Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

For Prague audiences, the exhibition offers both aesthetic discovery and a reminder of the richness of Slovakia’s cultural landscape—rooted in its regions, yet part of the broader European story.