Alzbeta Jungrova’s terrific new photography show (curated by the Trafo Gallery team) at the Vila Volman is officially titled “Bez konce a začátku” but in my mind, it could also be called “Traces of Ludi” given its strong focus on Mr. Volman’s daughter Ludi and the energy she left behind after the family had to give up their still-new residence and leave the country.

Jungrova was clearly drawn to the story and Ludi’s energy is now felt throughout all the photographs that are brilliantly sprinkled throughout the iconic building. Whether it’s a subtle veil with a female face imprint flowing in the gentle breeze of the living room, a blurred image of a woman seemingly in flight, greeting you at the top of the stairs, a woman leaning against the window or relaxing on one of the villa’s many verandas, or a powerful portrait of a woman, a packed car behind her, taking a look at the villa one last time… the story is there. And, together with the striking architecture of Karel Janů a Jiří Štursa it is bound to pull you in as well. I loved it all.

I was not new to Jungrova’s magic. A few years ago I first stumbled on her personal work in the dilapidated washroom of an old hospital at Karlovo náměstí in Prague. A raw place about as depressing as they come, came alive with her installation. Large images printed on metal mesh screens, film foils glued to the windows to filter in the afternoon light, neon projection giving the photograph negatives a slightly spooky appearance. A life-long lover of contemporary art, I had not seen anything like it in Prague until then. I was hooked. So much so that I actually went ahead and bought not only the exhibition catalog (a work of art in its own right) but got a large size print of one of the key pieces as well. You can read about my impressions here.

So, this time, as soon as I learned Jungrova was at it again, I marked the opening date on my calendar and booked my timed ticket. The show did not disappoint. Through now somewhat familiar collages and atypical printing techniques, Jungrova once again tells a captivating story, rich in powerful female energy, beautiful in execution, and with just a hint of how destructive some forces in the Czech Republic’s past had been. And how lucky we are now that a few dedicated souls restored this architectural gem back to its former beauty.

If you loved her 2023 solo show, you are bound to like this one as well. The show runs at the Vila Volman in Čelákovice through the end of August.