About

Petr Lada is a prominent figure on the contemporary Czech ceramics scene. His work spans both applied and decorative arts as well as sculptural expression. His portfolio also includes restoration projects and the creation of complex replicas of historical objects. In all these endeavors, he draws upon his extensive knowledge of ceramic technologies, remarkable craftsmanship, and multifaceted experience in the field, accumulated over four decades.

His organizational and curatorial work is of major significance, most notably demonstrated by the most important outdoor exhibition of ceramic sculpture in the Czech Republic, Summer Ceramic Sculpture (held annually from 1993 to 2018). His indoor and outdoor sculptures are regularly featured in group exhibitions both domestically and internationally.

His sculptural work is characterized by a connection to the informel tendencies of the 1960s, which he inventively develops further. He combines his sense of monumentality with a deep spirituality rooted primarily in Christian culture. A fundamental theme for Petr Lada as a sculptor is the human figure, referencing the foundations of Western civilization.

He has served as an expert lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Art and Design at UJEP. He has collaborated long-term with sculptor Jan Koblasa and, at Studio LAD., with glass artist Lada Semecká. He creates his work in a studio in Prague's Letná district.

“The fundamental theme of Petr Lada as a sculptor is the human figure, referring to the very foundations of Western civilisation.”

His sculptural work is characterised by a continuation of the informel tendencies of the 1960s, which he develops with considerable invention. He combines a sense of monumentality with a deep spirituality that springs mainly from Christian culture.

Milan Hlaveš, Ph.D., Curator of Glass, Ceramics and Porcelain, Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague