Interview with Tomáš Bittner
During your career transition from traditional woodworking to abstract painting, how have the conceptual frameworks and philosophical beliefs on which your artworks are based evolved? Can you describe a pivotal work of art or a moment in which this shift in philosophical thinking was particularly pronounced, and how did it influence the themes you explore in your work?
TomBitt – my transition from traditional woodworking to abstract painting is in complete correspondence with my inner search for myself. Since childhood, I have been afraid to be myself, afraid to have a different opinion than my family, which I grew up with. Self-denial led me to alcohol addiction and in therapies I learned the depths of feelings and experiences. This relieved me of my fear and I felt the need to spread these beautiful self-knowledge further. Abstract painting gave me space to explore and spread the energies that every feeling, every emotion and every one you know.
Considering your technical school education, how has it shaped your approach to materials and the handling of them in your art? How has this industrial perspective influenced your artistic expression and do you see it as a significant advantage in your creative process?
TomBitt – I was lucky enough to discover a gift in my studies, in the form of perspective imagination. It was not a problem to make a wooden sculpture without a drawing, because I saw it in the material. My abstract painting is structural and this structure created with the help of paints, fluorescent paints and phosphor offers me a three-dimensional expression. (1 image = 3 images in different light spectrum) This is fascinating and fulfilling for me because it accurately captures our feelings and emotions, which are also changing.
Your decision to give up a consumerist lifestyle indicates a commitment to sustainability. How is this commitment reflected in your choice of materials and themes that you pursue in your artwork? Does this philosophical stance pose any challenges to your creative process, and how do you deal with them?
TomBitt – The choice of topics stems from everyday life, where I deeply perceive the "gaps" in interpersonal relationships. We are all caught in the clutches of convenience, which is very addictive. The ubiquitous illusion of well-being and its importance for inner happiness is what gives me the impetus to support people's awakening from this illusion. I was lucky to be free from these illusions internally and I would like to mediate the way to sincerity and love for people. Unfortunately, I perceive and feel how matter wins over the soul and this inspires me to further creation and hopefully someone will think about it.
Criticism can be a double-edged sword in art. How do you deal with criticism that focuses on fundamental aspects of your work, such as your themes or innovative techniques? Have you ever found yourself changing your artistic career in response to such feedback, and if so, how has it affected your work?
TomBitt – I see criticism as an opinion, but since my work is an inner relaxation and a way of self-expression for me, it doesn't affect me. I paint what I feel and what I want to convey, it is authentic and it is up to everyone whether they accept it or reject it.
Looking to the future, what new art territories would you like to explore, both in terms of medium and thematic content? Are you planning any projects or collaborations that will excite you and what would you like to achieve in the next phase of your career?
TomBitt – 2 years ago, I wished to organize an author's solo exhibition, and it came true. Now I feel a very strong need to spread opinions among young people and actually children, because that is our legacy. I feel a great opportunity to be interested in this group, especially thanks to my work using phosphor and fluorescent paints. These light spectra give depth to the paintings and a three-dimensional experience to the viewer. For 2025, we are preparing a light exhibition in Prague with my exceptional friend, painter and curator Zuzana Křováková. We are also planning a joint solo exhibition in Prague with our exceptional friend and painter Jakka Jang from South Korea in 2025. There will be a meeting of two worlds. The realistic and tangible world is Jakko's paintings and the inner world is my paintings. I don't have long-term plans, I accept everything as it goes and I'm grateful for everything that comes into my life.
