The Applied Photography studio at FUD UJEP – Photosynthesis
An outdoor exhibition in the refugium of the Botanic Garden of the Faculty of Science, Charles University presents projects by students of the Applied Photography Studio at FUD UJEP. The assignment was inspired by a conservation program for endangered plant species developed in cooperation with the Union of Botanical Gardens of the Czech Republic. Disappearing flora that can no longer reproduce independently in the wild and whose survival depends on human intervention became the subject of open-ended artistic interpretation.
The exhibition presents a diverse range of artistic approaches and explores the dialogue between science and art through projects created by pairs of students. The students reflect on the work of botanical gardens in Prague, Liberec, Teplice, Třeboň, and Průhonice. The exhibition features fading Polaroids tracing plant life cycles, fictional plant models simulating their introduction into the landscape, and underwater photographs taken from the perspective of aquatic organisms. The human element is represented by portraits of botanical garden staff in metaphorical costumes. Other works visually trace efforts to protect the Bohemian butterwort, use posters to advocate for the preservation of heritage plant varieties, or bring endangered plants together in a final collage.
Bio
The Applied Photography studio at FUD UJEP was founded in 2006. Until 2020, it was led by Miroslav Vojtěchovský and Marian Beneš. It was subsequently taken over by J. Thýn and V. Kopecký, and since 2024, the studio has been headed by the duo of Nikola Ivanov and Veronika Čechmánková. We do not set boundaries between fine art and applied photography, nor between creativity and craft. We understand photography from a broad perspective, with overlaps into video and installation, allowing each student to choose their own approach. We support a diversity of approaches and the desire to experiment. The specific curriculum and assignments emerge from collective debate and respond to key issues of the present day.
Info
Curators | Nikola Ivanov & Veronika Čechmánková
Dates | 1–11 October 2026
Opening | 6 October 2026, 5:00 + guided tour
Venue | Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, Charles University
Address | Na Slupi 16, 128 00 Prague 2
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