10 Questions with Kryštof Novotný
Kryštof Novotný, born on November 24, 1993, in the Czech Republic, is an artist whose work covers a wide spectrum - from painting to tattooing. His path to art began in childhood and since then has been constantly evolving, intertwined with personal experiences and studies that have shaped his artistic view of the world. He currently lives and creates in the Czech Republic, where he devotes himself fully to his painting and tattooing career.
From an early age, Kryštof had a strong relationship with painting. He studied at the Basic Art School in Blansko, where he developed his technique, and subsequently studied at the Secondary School of Art and Design and the Higher Vocational School in Brno, where he found his own direction in artistic expression. This experience proved crucial for his further artistic career, where he learned to combine traditional techniques with modern forms of expression. Kryštof's decision to study History of art at the Masaryk University in Brno was a logical step in his quest to gain a broader overview of curatorial practices and art history. The goal was not only to better understand the artistic heritage but also to prepare for future exhibitions and presentations of their works in the gallery space. The fact that the artist decided to dedicate himself to curation speaks of his deep interest in the structure and meaning of exhibition spaces and the way in which you communicate the artwork with the viewer.
Kryštof Novotný - Portrait
Kryštof Novotný created his own manuscript, which takes into account both his personal experiences and a wide range of artistic inspirations. One of the key exhibitions that defined his artistic direction was What It Feels Like for a Girl (2020), which focused on the life of a woman, her desires, thoughts and feelings at key moments in her life. Kryštof's ability to capture the female soul and psyche is also reflected in his personal relationship with women as muses, who inspire him not only artistically but also in his personal life. The exhibition What It Feels Like for a Girl premiered at London's The Holy Art Gallery in 2021. In the same year, the painter won second place at the prestigious Pride and Center Exhibition, organized by the Federation of Canadian Artists. This exhibition and award was not only a success in his artistic career, but also a significant step on the international stage. In the same year, he completed two other exhibitions: 4x4 – a cycle of abstract erotic paintings and Living in Fearless Energy, focused on nature and ecological problems. These works show how the artist continues to evolve and respond to social and environmental challenges. His paintings focus not only on aesthetics, but also on a deeper reflection of today's world. In 2023, he exhibited several of his self-portraits at the Art Number Gallery in Athens, where he presented several of his paintings from this cycle. The year 2025 brought a new chapter in his work – the cycle Amaryllis, which maps ten years of his life as a painter through self-portraits in which he projects his current life situations and feelings. This cycle is not only a documentation of personal development, but also a reflection on the theme of identity and inner transformations, which are manifested as strongly symbolic in his paintings. A quote from his favourite painter, Frida Kahlo: "I paint myself because I spend a lot of time with myself, and my face is the motif I know best," perfectly describes the essence of Novotny's approach to self-reflection through art.
Self portrait with mirror (You only see what your eyes want to see), oil on canvas, 75 x 90 cm, 2019 © Kryštof Novotný
INTERVIEW
What first drew you to art, and how has your creative journey evolved over time?
What first drew me to art was a deeply personal need for expression. As a child, I was a very quiet and withdrawn person, and I experienced some trauma that affected my ability to communicate. In fact, I didn't speak until I was five years old. During that time, the only way I could express myself was through drawing. Art became my safe space, my way of speaking when words failed me. Growing up, painting became my anchor, a way to process and connect with the world around me. After finishing high school with a focus on fashion design, my love for painting grew even more. I realized that my true passion wasn't just in designing clothes but in the act of creating art itself. Since then, I have devoted myself to painting, and it has remained my constant form of expression and growth.
You work with several different mediums. How do you balance, for example, painting and tattooing as differentforms of artistic expression?
In my life, painting has always been my first priority. It's the medium where I feel I can express myself most freely and creatively, without limitations. Painting allows me to explore my ideas and push boundaries, and it remains my primary form of artistic expression. However, as any artist knows, there comes a point where you've explored various techniques—from abstraction and dream art to realism—and you feel the need to keep evolving, to try something new. That's when I turned to tattooing. With tattooing, the focus shifts more towards the client's needs and desires. I take great care to make sure they are happy with the final design. Balancing both allows me to expand my creative horizons while stillmaintaining my passion for painting. The two forms of expression complement each other in different ways, and I find value in both.
End of an Era, oil on canvas, 65 x 90 cm, 2023 © Kryštof Novotný
How has studying art history and curatorial practices influenced your approach to creating and exhibiting art?
The history of Art has always fascinated me and sparked my curiosity. I've always been interested in gaining a deeper understanding of curatorial practices and the entire process behind organizing and exhibiting art in galleries. I wanted to take a look behind the curtain, to see how exhibitions come together, how works are selected, and how they're presentedto the public. During my studies, I expanded my knowledge of different painting styles and learned a great deal about various artists and their approaches to art. This broader perspective has influenced my own creative practice, helping me to see my work within a larger historical and artistic context. It's given me a deeper appreciation for the evolution of art and how different movements and techniques have shaped what we create today. Studying art history and curatorial practices has definitely enriched my approach to creating and exhibiting art.
Your work spans personal reflection and broader social themes. How do you navigate that balance?
I don't really focus too much on balancing the personal and the broader social themes in my work. I simply allow myself to be influenced by what's happening around me and the situations in the world. I then connect those external factors with my own thoughts and what I want to convey to the viewer. From there, I decide which aspects will play a more prominent role in a particular painting. It's an organic process where both personal reflection and social themes intertwine, and the final piece often reflects a mix of both. I'm also a strong believer in the idea that life imitates art, so I often find that my work reflects the reality of the world around me, as much as it reflects my inner thoughts and feelings.
What role does self-portraiture play in your artistic process?
Even when studying art history, I was always drawn to painted self-portraits, like those by Artemisia Gentileschi or Frida Kahlo. Their work inspired me to think about what it would be like to paint myself every year, incorporating hidden symbols and thoughts that would define that specific year in my life. To me, my self-portraits are like a picture diary...The inspiration for a painting can be anything that happened in my life. I hope to continue painting my self-portraits throughout my life. I find it fascinating to think about how, over time, they will not only reflect my physical appearance and ageing but also capture the evolution of my inner feelings and personal growth. Self-portraiture is not only a way to explore my own identity but also to document the continuous transformation of my life and art.
Self-portrait with a lion and piranhas, oil on canvas, 75 x 120 cm, 2021 © Kryštof Novotný
Self-portrait with cat, oil on canvas, 65 x 90 cm, 2023 © Kryštof Novotný
Do you see a common thread running through all your works, regardless of medium or subject?
I approach painting through three main creative paths: self-portraits, abstraction, and various motifs. While these subjects might seem different on the surface, I do believe there's a common thread that ties all my works together. That thread is the exploration of identity, emotions, and the human experience. Whether it's in the introspective nature of a self-portrait, the freedom of abstract expression, or the symbolism within specific motifs, each piece reflects a personal journey of self-discovery and interpretation of the world around me.
How do you approach experimentation and evolution in your artistic practice?
I have always disliked repetition. I enjoy experimenting and pushing myself to approach each piece differently, whether it's through technique, composition, or style. I strive to make every painting feel unique, even if it comes from the same underlying creative impulse. This drive to explore and evolve keeps my work fresh and dynamic, which is why I'm always seeking new ways to express myself. Because of this, it can be challenging for me to create an exhibition featuring, for example, ten paintings with the same theme or style. I prefer variety and the freedom to explore different directions. However, I try to embrace this challenge and use it to my advantage. I find ways to connect the works conceptually or emotionally, even if they differ stylistically. It becomes a playful experiment in how I can unify diverse pieces, allowing the exhibition to feel cohesive while still reflecting my ongoing evolution as an artist.
What has been the most meaningful or transformative experience in your career so far?
In my previous exhibitions, I always focused on a specific group of people or theme. For example, my feminist exhibition What It Feels Like For a Girl(2020) was dedicated to women, 4x4 (2021) exhibition was for anyone who appreciates sex, and Living In Fearless Energy (2021) was centred around nature and our planet. However, I eventually realized that I had never dedicated an exhibition to myself or a theme that was solely about my own personal journey.That's why my new self-portrait exhibition Amaryllis (2025), is so meaningful to me. Over the 9 years I've spent creating it, so much has changed in my life. The exhibition depicts my journey from a naive young boy to growing up into a rational man with his feet firmly on the ground, but who never stops dreaming. But when I look back on my career, the most meaningful experience for me is simply that I never stopped painting. I have been working on my artistic career for over thirteen years; not much has really changed during this time; several successes have rather been replaced by rejections. I got to the point where I thought about ending my artistic career, but over time, I realized that I couldn't live without art. Art is part of my personality and my life, if I stopped, a large part of myself would cease to exist.
Self-portrait, oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm, 2025 © Kryštof Novotný
How do you see your relationship with the audience? What kind of dialogue do you hope to create through your art?
I see my relationship with the audience as a form of dialogue, where my art serves as a bridge to communicate deeperthoughts and emotions. Through my work, I aim to invite the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and feelings. For example, with the exhibition Amaryllis, I want to show the viewer that the priority in life is to listen to yourself, take care of yourself, and love yourself. It's about not wishing to be someone else but being perfectly content with who you are—someone unique, rare, and fearless. After all, how can we love others if we don't first love ourselves? It's all about self-love. Through this self-portrait series, I hope to share this personal reflection with the viewer, inspiring them to embrace their own journey, find strength in their uniqueness, and connect more deeply with their own passions or life paths. Ultimately, I want my art to be a source of inspiration that encourages the viewer to explore and nurture their own sense of self.
Lastly, what's next for you? Are there new ideas or projects you're excited to explore?
I'm really looking forward to the new artistic challenges ahead. While this year, I'm primarily focused on promoting Amaryllis exhibition, I'm already working on a new collection of four paintings that I plan to release at the beginning of this summer. These works will centre around flowers and simplicity, and they will be dedicated to my favourite sunny season of the year—summer. I want to capture the light, warmth, and vibrant energy of this time, exploring a more delicate and refined side of my art. Beyond painting and tattooing, I'm also excited to explore the world of home décor. I want to start creating decorative pieces for living spaces, blending my artistic vision with functional design. It's a new direction I'm eager to dive into, and I look forward to seeing where it leads me. There's so much ahead, and I'm excited to keep evolving and pushing my creative boundaries.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
