Self-realization efforts led him to create his first wooden work - Our Children (1977). Its successful realization sparked a wave of further work and the creation of new pieces depicting characters from folk tales. This was followed by the creation of uniquely conceived, albeit small, female figures characterized by strict linear drapery that transforms them into small monuments. The theme...
Self-realization efforts led him to create his first wooden work – Our Children (1977). Its successful realization sparked a wave of further work and the creation of new pieces depicting characters from folk tales. This was followed by the creation of uniquely conceived, albeit small, female figures characterized by strict linear drapery that transforms them into small monuments. The theme of motherhood is Morávek’s field, through which he reaches his own artistic expression. Additionally, there are nativity scenes, angels, madonnas, musicians, music and its muses, spatial objects (abstract), and cones.
Despite the diversity of themes and artistic approaches, Morávek’s sculptural work has a distinctive, easily recognizable style. In a significant part of his work – especially in the last decade – the expression of his sculptures is dominated by the carving technique using a chainsaw. Interestingly, while initially using a chainsaw as a conventional tool to expedite the removal of excess wood, Morávek is one of the first untrained creators who utilize this technique to sculpt statues from wood with a unique artistic language and expression. The use of a chainsaw somewhat determines the expression of the sculpture, but Morávek ingeniously harnesses these determinants to his advantage through the composition of the entire sculpture or group, as well as through the use of unified stylization and artistic shortcuts. By refining the cuts with chisel, his madonnas and angels bear the distinct style of their creator in the overall stylization and precision of details such as the nose, mouth, and eyes, adding variety to the expression and emphasizing the impact of other artistic elements that aim to convey feelings, moods, and atmosphere. This has led him to seemingly simple forms of sculpture or groupings of multiple sculptures, as seen in some of his nativity scenes.
Morávek continually revisits themes to affirm his sculptural expression, with the chosen topics undoubtedly corresponding to his consciousness and intention to convey messages through his art. This has resulted in collections of sculptures that blend elements of folk art, gothic carving, and modern sculpture in their expression. Through changes in attitude, size, and expression, the author imbues each sculpture with originality, despite maintaining a consistent signature style.
Vlado Morávek is undeniably one of the most prominent figures in contemporary non-professional carving art in Slovakia. Various opinions exist among experts, professional and non-professional creators regarding his works. Some attribute simplicity and a strong influence of folk art to him, while others perceive a strong impact of professional sculpture. Perhaps they all have some truth, but one undeniable aspect of Morávek’s work is its ability to resonate with the viewer. Morávek is sincere in his expression and does not require interpretation of his message. He presents not only reflections of reality but also an imaginary world of religious beliefs. This, perhaps, is the essence of art, whether folk or professional, but above all, of good art.