The work of Andrea Čepiššáková carries an autobiographical and participatory dimension, accentuated by personal mythology, original symbolism, and the emotional coloring of the works. In the exhibition “I burn, then I grow silent…”, she connects her own world with the world of Dominik Skutecký (1849 – 1921). Two eras, two stories, and two different perspectives, distinct, yet related in some way. The idea of the exhibition follows up on Skutecký, who worked in Italy (Venice, Florence) and in Banská Bystrica. The artist moves between Slovakia (Košice, Lacková) and Mallorca, Spain, where she regularly creates. The tension and harmony between a distant, sunny, exotic environment and a mundane, everyday, safe environment has long been reflected in her work, and she also finds it in the themes and creative approach of Dominik Skutecký.
The exhibition is created as a reaction to his painting “Spanish Dancer” (1900 – 1902) and to the unique genius loci of the iconic location of the Dominik Skutecký Villa. It leads a dialogue with Southern temperament, music, and dance – especially the flamenco expression originating from Andalusia. Andrea Čepiššáková finds in it a way to use art to speak metaphorically about (her own and our) inner states and the dynamics of life, expressiveness and subsequent silencing, movement and coming to a halt. She understands flamenco not only as a dance form, but also as an attitude – the ability to be honest and authentic to oneself and to the world. She projects this principle into watercolors and objects that create tension between the dynamics and contemplation of our daily journey.
The title of the exhibition “I burn, then I grow silent…” in the words of the artist refers to “the alternation of a period of intensity, commitment, creative and physical activity, and a period of ‘burning’. These are inevitably followed by a phase of decline, silencing, and regeneration – ‘growing silent’. Visualizing their rhythm is a way to give them form and understand them. Burning and silence are equal phases of a single process – without one, the other could not exist. The exhibition arises from the need to embrace this cycle as natural and accept it.” – Daniela Čarná
Artist: Andrea Čepiššáková Curator: Daniela Čarná Exhibition visual: Palo Snoha Exhibition production: Ivan Žirka Exhibition realization: Norbert Nečada, František Dvořák Promotion and PR: Michael Luzsicza Educational and accompanying programs: Martina Martincová, Zuzana Medzihorská Exhibition opening: February 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM Exhibition duration: February 12 – September 20, 2026 Venue: Dominik Skutecký Villa, Horná 107/55, Banská Bystrica Free admission to the opening Photo: Andrea Čepiššáková: Barefoot / Descalza, 2026
The Central Slovak Gallery is founded by the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region.
The exhibition is realized with the financial support of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region.
