
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
Dušan Marek (1926-1993) and Voitre Marek (1919-1999) were born in Czechoslovakia. The brothers shared a nurturing, adventurous and creative childhood. As children, they developed artistic interests including a love of music and literature particularly concerning philosophy and world religions. Their grandmother was also interested in the arts and wrote poetry and their father encouraged them to pursue their own spiritual paths or faith.
After becoming a qualified jeweller and engraver in metal in 1938, Voitre moved to Prague to study sculpture and the history of art at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design. While there he perfected his technical skills and upon graduating in 1944, Voitre became a full-time sculptor and exhibited frequently.
At the age of thirteen Dušan declared himself a surrealist after he held his first solo exhibition. He was committed to surrealism throughout his career, interested in objet trouvé (found objects) and had a preference for painting on scrap materials. Encouraged by Voitre, Dušan studied painting at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague from 1946-48, where he was influenced by works of Surrealists such as Max Ernst.
Dušan and Voitre Marek shared an unwavering commitment to their art. Although they were singular in their interpretations, they were united by their exploration of their own deeply personal and philosophical questioning about the world and their place within it
I do not care. I shall paint things as I see them. I abandoned realism when I was fourteen
In 1948 Marek and Voitre decided to flee Czechoslovakia as they feared for their safety and loss of creative freedoms under the Soviets (a communist regime of the late Russian Empire) who had taken control of their country. Dušan and Voitre Marek spent five months in a German refugee camp and arrived in Australia (Sydney and later Adelaide) in October 1948.
Using a map of the world plot the Marek brother’s journey from Czechoslovakia, to Dillenburg in Germany and then to Australia. How far did they travel?
Do you have siblings? What things do you have in common with your siblings – what things are different? If you don’t have any siblings, what other family member are you most like or share similar interests with.
Examine works of art created by Dušan and Voitre Marek. What do you notice that is similar and/or different about their work?

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, New South Wales, 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.