JIRI BYSTRICAN

Born in Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic) in 1943. Graduated in 1970 with the major in  Art and Art Education. During and shortly after the university Jiri was teaching Visual art and Czech language on secondary and tertiary schools.

Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and the events after let him to publicly express his anticommunist views which ultimately resulted in him being banned from teaching. Since that he has worked mostly on building sites and in warehouses.

In 60’s and 70’s Jiri had various solo and joined exhibitions of paintings and leather works.

Since his arrival to Australia in 1981 he made few attempts to resurrect his artistic ambitions however work and other commitments allowed him to complete only few works.

In July 2002 Jiri had solo exhibition in Sydney Renaissance Hotel comprising  28 paintings and 2 leather sculptures. 

At present some of his paintings are in Sydney Galleries as well as in galleries in Hunter Valley. He is also participating in regional exhibitions.

His leather sculpture “Endeavour” has been “Highly commended” at Gosford Art Prize 2003.

Contact: georgebys@hotmail.com