Deputy Mayor Jan Lacina (STAN), who is also in charge of culture, acknowledges that he provokes Gebauer’s work. Not so long ago, due to the Prague 6 negotiations, a political-diplomatic shootout arose at the international level. Russia was angry that deputies led by Mayor Ondřej Kolář (TOP 09) confirmed the removal of the monument to Soviet Marshal IS Konev. Demonstrations of opponents and supporters of demolition took place on Dejvice’s Interbrigade Square. The statue of the Austro-Hungarian queen Maria Theresa in Hradčany by Jana Kovařík was also controversial.

“Art is not just about beauty, it also has inspiration, raising questions, educating, provoking and entertaining. To my great joy, the years of indignant reactions of the population are gradually diminishing, and the tolerant, educated and enthusiastic ones are increasing. It looks like we are going in the right direction, “says councilor Lacina.

Author: Sculptures vent aggression

The author is also ready for a minimal negative reaction. “In a public space, not only art connoisseurs or snobs meet, but mainly ordinary people. They walk around and either pull them or they piss them off. The sculptures ventilate aggression when people discuss them, and that’s good, “says Gebauer, a longtime professor at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design. This year, the 80-year-old sculptor in Střešovice was a neighbor of President Václav Havel, to whom he dedicated a heart-shaped monument on the piazzetta at the National Theater.

The caterpillar is Gebauer’s second work in Prague 6. The monsters – a play place for children in public space – in the Dědina housing estate were the first. Victory Square, popularly called “Kulaťák”, is also decorated with Asteroid by Michal Gabriel. “Both works are borrowed free of charge by the town hall for half a year,” said spokesman Jiří Hannich, adding that this event is related to this year’s celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city district.