From time to time, to be genuinely amazed, I read one of those erudite reviews in newspaper culture sections. How nourishing! It makes me go all weak at the knees to read that some girl, just out of school, photographs fuzzy portraits and that this is the real, genuine art – and I am sure this clumsy oaf has aspirations for the Jindřich Chalupecký award! Well, blow me down! My simpleton mind is insinuating that the girl cannot focus sharply – but here I am reading that it is “The Art “. Well, first of all: “art” means to “know how to do it”. Throughout my long, sweet life I have seen hundreds of thousands of photographs and I can easily recognize a good photograph – even without being a green four-eyed critic. Yes – Antonín Tesař knows how to do it, above all – unlike those greenhorns – he has mastered his craft. And more over: he knows what he wants to communicate. No intellectual groping! Heaven forbid that he is for a long time one of those Modiglianis, Vincents, Bellocqs! Forgotten in his own country! But narrow-minded critics argue that it is a bit thick! In that case they should see some western exhibitions! In comparison with those, my colleague Tesař´s pictures are pure, virgin poetry… His photographs are striking, inventive and technically brilliant. His models are to be envied. His work is excellent. His critics´ opinions are totally contemptuous. I went through the same thing – now I am out of the words. I wish one day Antonín Tesař meets a similar fate.
Jan Saudek
Artwork of Antonín Tesař is not a mere journey into the depths of the author´s psyche. Each and every picture becomes an expedition for the viewer or explorer. Psychologic substance of his work independently addresses every one of us. We all hold within our personal demons with whom, thank to angels who have multiple appearances, we learn to coexist – the dark side of being cannot be easily divided from the one that bears light inside us. Tesař´s creation is transpersonal, perfectionistic, and sophisticated. It feels of animality, passionateness, of the author´s compulsion, and a certain portion of kitsch, though not having the a priori negative stigma. Tesař´s creation is a perfect reflection of his personality – the aesthetic-oriented personal type. Ability to create an artwork that holds within a straightforward epic is not natural to every artist. If you are perceptive and open, you may look through the Tesař´s artwork in an instant. If you are egocentric though, you may concern yourself with his work for whole life and still see nothing. Yet, his creation may even be indifferent to you. Every feeling is allowed. Tesař does not necessarily long for understanding. His eagerness leads him to the effort to comprehend the being. Through this book, Tesař presents to you the results of introspective observations, quests, and explorations. However, you may look at Tesař´s artwork with a partial knowledge of the above-mentioned facts, will you keep in mind that you are holding in your hands an allegoric diary in which you have the privilege to read as you please, and to explore your own God.
Romana Marie Jokelová (September 2019)