The Interpretation of Historical Trauma Through Art in Public Space After 1989

The diploma thesis examines the concept of cultural trauma through art in public space created after 1989. The thesis aims to answer the question of how contemporary art influenced Czech society in perceiving traumatic events of modern history. The theoretical part introduces the topics of memory, trauma, and contemporary art using academic literature and research. The study maps approaches of the contemporary art scene to the theme of historical trauma. The research is based on the premise that art in public space serves as a medium of memory, intersecting various domains. The main criterion for selecting the examined works of art is that the specific pieces engage with aspects of cultural trauma. The research will involve collecting primary data, including documentation of selected art projects and media releases. To fulfill the aim of the diploma thesis and answer the primary research question, a visual analysis of the artworks will be conducted to identify iconography representing collective trauma. Qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews with selected contemporary artists will be carried out. The thesis will also incorporate the perspective and reactions of the public through a questionnaire survey. These individual research components will play a significant role in the...