MUCHA – THE STORY OF AN ARTIST WHO CREATED A STYLE
From the perspective of his son Jiří Mucha, the film tells the story of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), a pioneer of the Art Nouveau movement, who continues to influence artists all over the world today.
At the end of the 19th century, Czech artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) ranked among the pioneers of the Art Nouveau movement. Virtually overnight, he became famous in Paris thanks to his posters of star actress Sarah Bernhardt. But at the height of his fame, Mucha left Paris to realise his lifetime project “The Slav Epic”. He worked on the cycle of 20 monumental paintings, representing the history of the Slav people, for 18 years – only to meet fierce criticism upon completion. Following his death, Mucha's work sank into virtual oblivion. In the 1960s, the hippie movement rediscovered his pictorial world and his Art Nouveau posters attained cult status, influencing artists and art movements all over the world to this day. His work is now reflected in street art, “psychedelic rock” posters and Japanese “manga” novels as well as in the style of the American Marvel Comics. Told from the perspective of his son Jiří Mucha, the film delves deep into the family history. Featuring previously unpublished letters, diary entries, autobiographical writings and subtle re-enactments, director Roman Vávra creates an intense and intimate atmosphere that takes audiences back to Mucha's world while artists such as graphic designer Stanley Mouse, graffiti artist Mear One and illustrator Yoshitaka Amano talk about his influence on their work.
