On My Work with the Pioneer of Kinetic Electric Light Art, Zdeněk Pešánek (1896–1965): A Memoire

The author describes his experiences while working between 1933 and 1940 with the Czech sculptor, architect and kinetic artist Zdeněk Pešánek. He provides background information on Pešánek’s life as an artist and architect in Pague after the end of World War I, on his work with kinetic electric light art and on the projects the author helped Pešánek to execute. The author recognizes the pioneering efforts of Pešánek in the domains of his special interest and is of the opinion that Pešánek made an error by attempting to mold kinetic art to the prevailing ‘isms’ of Cubism, Constructivism and Surrealism instead of recognizing that kinetic art requires an entirely different approach from that required for the traditional media of static painting and sculpture.