Jan Saudek is a Czech photographer and artist who has been creating provocative and controversial images since the 1970s. Born in Prague in 1935, Saudek was raised in a Jewish family and experienced the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II. After the war, he studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague, where he developed an interest in photography.
In 1968, after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, Saudek was arrested for his political activities and spent two years in prison. During this time, he began to explore photography as a form of self-expression. After his release from prison, he continued to pursue photography as a career and became known for his unique style of combining surrealism with eroticism. His work often features nude models posed against dreamlike backdrops or surrounded by props such as masks or dolls.
Saudek's work has been exhibited around the world and has been featured in numerous publications including Time Magazine and The New York Times. He has also published several books of his photographs including Jan Saudek: Photographs (1995) and Jan Saudek: The Secret History (2005). In addition to his photographic work, Saudek is also an accomplished painter whose works have been exhibited at galleries throughout Europe.
Throughout his career, Saudek has remained committed to pushing boundaries with his art and exploring themes such as sexuality, identity, and mortality. His work continues to challenge viewers to confront their own preconceptions about art and beauty while inspiring them to think more deeply about life's complexities.