Petr Geisler’s Calligraphy: A Celebration of Japanese Influence at DOX
A new exhibition at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague showcases the calligraphic operate of Petr Geisler, a Czech Japanologist whose art blended influences from both cultures. The exhibition, titled “GA-I-SU-RA,” runs until June 7, 2026, and offers a unique look into Geisler’s creative process and his deep connection to Japanese aesthetics.
A Unique Artistic Vision
The exhibition centers around Geisler’s calligraphic interpretations of the Heart Sutra, a central text in Mahayana Buddhism. A reconstruction of his work, originally created in the mid-1990s on a wall near his office in Prague’s Palac Metro, is a focal point. The work was recreated using photographs taken by Kijomi Hirano, a Japanese bohemian and translator.
Geisler’s approach to calligraphy was unconventional. He often experimented with materials beyond traditional paper and ink, utilizing silver coins, cardboard, spray paint, absorbent paper, and even fax paper. His work challenges conventional notions of beauty, prioritizing the expression of emotion and personal experience over technical perfection. According to Petr Holý, a student of Geisler’s, “He was never interested in making his calligraphy the most beautiful. He tried more to express his heart and tears.”
Exploring Geisler’s Life and Influences
“GA-I-SU-RA” delves into Geisler’s life and artistic journey, showcasing pieces from the collection of the Prague National Gallery, as well as calligraphy gifted to friends during his lifetime. The exhibition also highlights his two study stays in Japan, beginning in 1987, and his contributions to the Japanese newspaper Jomiuri Shimbun, for which he wrote columns in Japanese for over 30 years.
Visitors can explore a recreation of Geisler’s study, complete with books, documents, and notes, offering a glimpse into his intellectual world. Photographs from his time in Japan, often utilizing multiple exposure techniques, reveal his sensitivity to the country’s culture and aesthetics. Archival footage from Japanology parties and references to Anna Cima’s novel, Probudím se na Šibuji, in which Geisler served as a model for a character, further enrich the exhibition.
A Legacy of Artistic Freedom
The exhibition is a testament to Geisler’s multifaceted talent as a Japanologist, journalist, teacher, translator, calligrapher, and artist. His work embodies a spirit of creative freedom and a willingness to challenge norms. Ester Geislerová, his daughter and the driving force behind the exhibition, describes the process as an opportunity to complete the “incomplete mosaic” of her father’s image, revealing both his artistic brilliance and his personal complexities.
DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, located in Prague’s Holešovice district, is known for its multidisciplinary approach, combining fine art, literature, performing arts, and architecture. Learn more about DOX and its exhibitions.