We are as strong as shackles we break (2018) Printmaking by Helena Kalná

Helena Kalná is a contemporary Czech artist born in 1984 in Prague. She began her journey in printmaking in 1999 and pursued a formal education in architecture from 2002 to 2008, after which she engaged in architectural practice.

Dedicated to both architecture and free creativity, particularly in graphics, Kalná views these fields as complementary. In her independent work, she explores themes often excluded from architecture, using graphics as a means of self-reflection and understanding the world around her. While her work may not always convey cheerfulness, it remains rooted in honesty.

Kalná's artistic focus lies in the essence of things, frequently expressing this through depictions of spatial objects in relation to the human figure, often employing them as metaphors. She utilizes intaglio techniques, including etching, aquatint, and mezzotint, sometimes combining these methods to enhance her artistic expression.

Over the years, Kalná has held several solo exhibitions showcasing her work. In addition to her artistic endeavors, she is currently involved in the creation of bookplates. It is worth noting that her earlier graphic works are signed with her birth name.