Dušan Marek, born Bítouchov, Czechoslovakia 1926, died Adelaide 1993, Perpetuum mobile, October 1948, SS Charlton Sovereign, oil on board, 121.7 x 91.2 cm; South Australian Government Grant 1972, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Art Gallery of South Australia.
Dušan and Voitre Marek: Surrealists at sea
This education resource introduces you to the work of Czech-Australian brothers Dušan and Voitre Marek. It can be used as a starting point in the classroom for students to learn about Surrealism, the experience of immigrating to Australia, the impact of war and the role of the curator. It is also the ideal companion to your Gallery visit.
Dušan and Voitre Marek: Surrealists at sea is the first major survey of the art of Dušan and Voitre Marek. From their arrival in Adelaide in 1948, Dušan and Voitre set into motion a surge of new ideas and controversies that challenged the conventions of Australian art.
Set against the sound of ticking clocks and a music box, this exhibition presents the breadth of their investigations. Highlights include the artists’ voyage paintings created during their long sea journey from Europe to Australia and Dušan’s pioneering surrealist films.
There are over 45 making and responding suggestions in this resource that are linked to the overarching themes within the Marek brothers' work and provide ideas that relate to the world of your students whilst they learn about Australian art history. Through this, students are invited to explore, discuss and compare their work with other artists they encounter in the Gallery's collection.
Listen to Educator Briefing with Elle Freak
We recommend exploring the online components of this resource first, as it includes images, media files and links to other pages on the website which aren’t available in the Powerpoint version.
ArtsHub review - Surrealists at Sea, the new show at the Art Gallery of South Australia, shines a welcome spotlight on the works of brothers Dušan and Voitre Marek
The Conversation- Surrealists at Sea: Dušan and Voitre Marek finally receive their place in the pantheon of Australian surrealism by Catherine Speck
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Elle Freak introduces 'Dušan and Voitre Marek: Surrealists at sea'
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Lisa Slade uncovers the Surrealist metaphors in 'Surrealists at sea'
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Elle Freak shares her final remarks on Dušan and Voitre Marek: Surrealists at sea
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Elle Freak in conversation with Olga Sankey and Ivan Marek
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Tracey Lock considers how Voitre Marek embraced elemental and spiritual forces
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Maria Zagala speaks on the drawings in 'Surrealists at sea'
Voitre Marek, born Dolní Oldřichov, Czechoslovakia 1919, died Adelaide 1999, My Gibraltar, 1948, on board the SS Charlton Sovereign, oil on board, 29.0 x 20.5 cm; d'Auvergne Boxall Bequest Fund 1996, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Estate of Voitre Marek
Introducing Dušan and Voitre Marek
Find out more about Czech-Australian Marek brothers
Dušan Marek, born Bítouchov, Czechoslovakia 1926, died Adelaide 1993, Birth of Love, 1948, Dillenburg, oil on wood, 14.7 x 72.0 cm, 16 x 73.5 x 3.1 cm (including frame); Gift of the artist 1988, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Art Gallery of South Australia
Experiences of war
Learn about the impact of the Communist coup in Czechoslovakia
Dušan Marek, born Bítouchov, Czechoslovakia 1926, died Adelaide 1993, Equator, 1948, Gibraltar, SS Charlton Sovereign, oil on board, 121.7 x 91.2 cm, 126.5 x 96.0 x 5.5 cm (frame size); South Australian Government Grant 1972, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Art Gallery of South Australia
The voyage: immigration to Australia
Learn more about Dušan and Voitre’s journey to Australia
Dušan Marek, Australia, 7 March 1926 - 9 March 1993, Analysis of substance, 1952, Kings Cross, Sydney, oil on canvas, 36.5 x 88.2 cm; Purchased with the assistance of James Agapitos OAM and Ray Wilson OAM 2007 National Gallery of Australia, © Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Life in Australia: Surrealism, travel & the ocean
Discover more about the brothers' long and varied life in Australia
Voitre Marek, Australia, 1919 - 1999, Mood, 1952, Adelaide, pen & ink on photographic paper, 20.2 x 25.2 cm (sheet); d'Auvergne Boxall Bequest Fund 1999, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Art Gallery of South Australia.
What is Surrealism?
Explore surreal works in the permanent collection
Dušan Marek, Australia, 7 March 1926 - 9 March 1993, Karu and Kulu, 1993, Eden Hills, South Australia, oil, synthetic polymer paint on plywood, 45.6 x 68.3 x 4.2 cm; Private collection, © Art Gallery of New South Wales.
A surreal adventure
Activities for your voyage into the exhibition
The Gallery’s Learning programs are supported by the Department for Education.
Art Gallery of South Australia staff Elle Freak, Kylie Neagle and Dr. Lisa Slade contributed to the development of this resource.