Black Drawings

(the 80s)

Common denominator in traced drawings of the 80s is simplified, repeated linear gesture, by which Stratil vigorously executed layered networks of unusually large sizes. The results varied: from wavy, energetic structures through purely geometric abstractions towards square or even parquetry patterns or more artful compositions, in which Stratil confronted himself with decorativeness. A stylized human face appears several times in large pochés. The elementary monochromatic character of his drawings is likewise supplemented by colorful accents. In the late 80s Václav Stratil begins to implement text in his compositions. Manifold use of the word STIGMA referred to spiritual essence of existential experience. At the turn of the 90s dealing with text and separate words became increasingly more present to enrich the drawings of personal and poetic meanings. The most numerous variation series was created with the word NUDA (boredom) manifesting both existential and creative estrangement.