"Leviathan (The Whale's Tail)" by Jan Gemrot
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, another exceptional work was installed on Vrchlabí’s Church Square (Peace Square)—the sculpture Leviathan (The Whale’s Tail) by Czech painter and visual artist Jan Gemrot.
This monumental object thus temporarily, once again for a year, becomes part of the city’s life and enters into a direct dialogue with its historical space and daily rhythm.
In Maori culture, the whale’s tail is perceived as the embodiment of spiritual strength, protection, and a deep connection to the ocean. Gemrot’s work is known for its powerful psychological impact and open narrative, which leaves room for the viewer’s imagination. The whale’s tail has precisely this effect, appearing as if it were just emerging from the depths right in the middle of the city. You’ll find it on Vrchlabí’s town square, not far from an interesting water feature—an open Elbe canal. Could it have sailed here from the ocean along the Elbe...
The work not only enriches the public space but also reminds us that contemporary art has its place outside the walls of galleries—right among the people. It was loaned to the city of Vrchlabí by the excellent EPO1 Gallery, run by the Kasper couple from Trutnov. Modern art in public spaces traditionally evokes many emotions, but above all, it is a call to reflection.
The installation took place in collaboration with Kasper TS, whose state-of-the-art truck with a hydraulic arm ensured the smooth and technically demanding placement of the work at its designated location and its replacement of Michal Gabriel’s Asteroid, which had been here with us the previous year. The city covered only the transportation costs. Placing artworks in the square has become a tradition. In the past, works such as Lubomír Typlt’s “Hydroelectric Power Plant” and another artwork titled “Throne” have been on display here.
Art in Space (Power for Space)
As the name suggests, this is a project that extends beyond the gallery’s own walls.
“Space” is something like an underappreciated work of art, like a canvas without which nothing would exist. Perceiving art in the context of space in all its diversity holds the potential to expand the experience into a whole new dimension. So why limit it to a single building? One of the activities of the EPO1 Gallery is the installation of sculptures in public spaces, where they can be encountered by both casual passersby and art lovers who seek them out specifically.
Information
Náměstí Míru, Vrchlabí
