Controversial New Horse Sculpture in Prague Sparks Debate
A sculpture featuring the mythical Czech horse Šemík and a mare was placed on a rooftop in Prague’s Podolí district, provoking diverse reactions from locals and tourists. The provocative artwork, titled Šemík Happy End, shows an intimate scene between Šemík and a mare.
About the Sculpture and Its Story
The installation weighs around 800 kilograms and reinterprets the legend of Šemík, the horse who saved his master Horymír by leaping from Vyšehrad into the Vltava River, only to die from his injuries. Sculptor Jakub Flejšar created this piece to offer a more hopeful conclusion to the tale.
“Art is meant to make us pause from our routine and evoke emotions, whether delight, surprise, or even annoyance,” Flejšar said in an interview. “I am satisfied that the sculpture is engaging people and sparking discussion.”
Public Reactions
- Some residents found the sculpture humorous and inspiring.
- Others criticized it as vulgar or in poor taste.
Broader Discussion on Public Art
The installation has fueled ongoing conversations about the role of contemporary art in Prague’s urban environment, particularly how it reflects local identity and interacts with everyday public spaces.
Jakub Flejšar’s work challenges viewers to reconsider well-known cultural symbols through fresh and optimistic perspectives.
Author's Summary
This rooftop sculpture of Šemík ignites lively debate on the boundaries of public art, blending local legend with provocative modern interpretation.