THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING
Some moments catch you off guard and stay with you for the rest of your life. The most unforgettable moment for me was when I realized that my favorite writer, Milan Kundera (1929–2023), actually appreciated my artwork — definitely not something I ever expected.
I wrote a letter to Milan Kundera as an admirer of his work. Almost as an afterthought, I included a few postcards with images of my paintings. To my surprise, I soon received a kind reply that encouraged me to write again — and so I did, each time adding one of my artworks.
Over the years, we exchanged our creations: my paintings, cut-outs and linocuts for his newly published books, always sent to me with a warm greeting from Milan Kundera via his Czech publisher. Then one day, I received a letter with a photograph of their Paris apartment — and in it, one of my paintings on the wall. I couldn’t help but notice something familiar hanging next to my painting in the photo. After a moment, I realized it was the same artwork that appeared on the cover of the first Czech edition of my favorite novel, The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
It was Milan Kundera’s favourite painting by Josef Istler (1919–2000). It's worth noting that the first Czech edition of "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" featured Istler's painting printed upside down. Curiously, a humorous coincidence emerged as my own painting, from time to time, was observed upside down within the confines of Kundera's residence.
Later on, Věra Kunderová would usually write or call to thank me whenever one of my artworks arrived in Paris. Her kind words, often accompanied by new photos of their apartment, meant the world to me.
She once told me, with a laugh, that their home had become completely “zalukášovanej” — filled with my works.
Expressing the depth of this honor is a challenge, considering Kundera's own creations have profoundly moved countless hearts; thus, his appreciation of my art was an immeasurable gift.
I still consider that experience the greatest honor of my artistic life. It gave me strength and motivation during times when I questioned whether making art was worth it at all. No recognition could ever mean more.
For your beautiful picture, here's mine! M. K.
I share this story as a reminder of how art can create meaningful connections between people — and how it brings depth, beauty, and emotion to our lives in unexpected ways. I am grateful for every moment when my art finds a place in someone's world. Sharing a corner of Milan Kundera's Parisian flat is a privilege I will cherish forever.
