Panelák flats, Czech Rep. 2006/08

For a period of 6 months from winter through to summer I made regular visits to the Panelák blocks of flats on the edge of Prague, in the Czech Republic.

Brief History

Panelák flats can be found on the outskirts of nearly all towns and cities in the former Eastern Block. The name Panelák stems from the simple construction method of using panels.

It was during the Communist era that the term “Panelák” first came to light. They were contructed from the 1960’s until the 1990’s. These buildings were designed to supply the increasing need for affordable housing and at the same time to foster a "collectivistic nature" within the people.

So the Panelák became an integral part of the Communists grand plan to achieve maximum efficiency for the least cost, hence their uniform block shape and uncomplicated layout.

Since the fall of Communism the Czech Government has been encouraging schemes to modernize these flats rather than knock them down. So what has become the most visible parts of the Communist heritage will be with us for a long time to come.

Many people, however, and especially those who live in the flats, detest their appearance and all they stand for.

But for an outsider like me, I think these buildings possess a certain austere charm and a minimalist grandeur that cannot be ignored when you look upon them.

On location sketching

In my pictures I have included the daily life of the local people and the surrounding nature to help create some contrast with the austere appearance of the Panelák buildings.

The winter pictures usually took me several sessions to complete because of the cold weather. I used acrylics because of their short drying time. Although even then the water would sometimes freeze on the canvas. I also used pastels because they enabled me to sketch with gloves on applying colour instantly.

I found the local people friendly, but not so many stopped for a proper chat. So when they did I made sure to ask them what they thought of the Panelák.

Accompanied with the pictures are some of their answers…

Chodov through trees , Prague.

I sat in the forest on a tree stump which I had covered with a plastic bag. It took 3 sessions to complete this picture because of the freezing weather. Women looked at me through the forest as if I was some kind of wild animal. No-one came to see what I was doing until the third session, when a jogger stopped.
He said “I think it is good to be near the forest but around these Panelák Flats people are sometimes careful of strangers.”
“Is there a good community around the flats?” I asked.
“Yes, but many people live here and I only know a few.”

Acrylic on canvas, 85/58 cm

Roztyly, Prague.

One man stopped and asked me why I was painting these Panelák buildings?
“Because I like their colour and their powerful design,” I said.
“You know we hate them, don’t you?” He whispered to me,
I replied simply, “ Yes.”
With that he walked away.

Acrylic on canvas, 87/60 cm

Mighty Chodov, Prague.

This was a great view of the flats, oppressive and domineering. The people looked like they were in a trance, but the truth was that the paths were actually very icy so walking had to be reduced to a shuffle.

Several Ladies stopped to admire my work.
“Lovely, beautiful,” they said.
Then one of the ladies asked where I was from.
“England” I said.
“Ohh I see,” and she walked off.

Acrylic on canvas, 87/60 cm

Pushing prams, Bohnice.

After this picture I spoke to a young mother.
She said, “My greatest worry about living in the Panelák flats is my son falling out of the window. I live on the 8th floor and the windows open very wide.”

Acrylic on canvas 30x23 cm

Students revising, Bohnice.

“Bohnice is the best place,” one of them said, “because it is outside the city.”
“I think it is too far from the centre,” Another said.
“Yes we live here. Its ok but there is not enough room in the Panelák flats and the walls are too thin and the lifts are unsafe, but it is cheap for students.”

Acrylic on canvas 30x23 cm

Sunday afternoon, Rostyly.
With a statue symbolising freedom.

Acrylic on canvas 30x23 cm

Looking through the bins, Opatov.

Acrylic on canvas 30x23 cm

Bus-stop with Vietnamese seller, Bohnice.

At this bus stop in Bohnice a man explained to me how a lot of Vietnamese were allowed to come here during Communism. But he said they are good, because they know how to deal with the strong Czech women.

Acrylic on canvas 70x50 cm

Babicka

Babicka (Grandmother) from the country and her son who lives in the city.

Oil on canvas 80x60 cm

Kunraticky Forest ,Prague.

View of Panelák flats through forest, evening time. I found pastels quite good for sketching in the cold, because you could use them with gloves on.

Chalk pastel on brown paper, 43x29 cm

Red Chodov

The view from a friend’s flat I stayed at.
“Wow what a great view,” I said.
The family, however, were not interested my enthusiasm and just carried on watching a Mexican soap-opera translated into Czech.

Chalk pastel on brown paper, 43/29 cm