---
title: "Prague Uncensored – David Černý’s Art and the City as a Gallery of Absurdity, Part 2 | Satori Cities"
url: "https://satoricities.com/en/blog/prague-uncensored-david-cerny-art-absurdity-part-2/"
language: "en"
type: "blog-post"
slug: "david-cerny-2"
source_slug: "david-cerny-2"
source_language: "pl"
category: "Art & Culture"
---

# Prague Uncensored – David Černý’s Art and the City as a Gallery of Absurdity, Part 2

> An evening stroll through the footsteps of Prague’s most absurd and provocative sculptures, part 2

- Published: August 17, 2025
- Reading time: 4 min read

Lilith – The Giant Emancipated Woman Embracing a Building Location: Karlín, Franšíz Sokolovská / Rohanské nábřeží In October 2022, one of David Černý’s most spectacular installations emerged in the modern Karlín district: a 24 meter tall, 35 ton Lilith. This female figure, essentially naked, holds a building in an embrace like a chieftain. Every night at midnight, she turns her head 180 degrees—a pure form of kinetic art. Lilith references the biblical figure, the first woman who defied the strict authority of the patriarchy. Černý claims she is a symbol of emancipation and unyielding female strength that literally “supports” the community. The installation also features a large hand and leg supporting the structure—a visual metaphor for cooperation and solidarity in building the city. Interpretations Empathetic mother city: Lilith hugs the building like a mother who consciously and tenderly protects the community. Feminist strength: A conscious manifestation of female power in public art. Controversies: Critics (such as sculptor Pavel Karous) argue that the work “does not serve the architecture” or the residents. Curator Marie Foltýnová points out its mythical, demonic connotations, which may conflict with the feminist interpretation. Trifot – The Mutated Tripod with a Camera Gazed Half Stare Location: Czech Photo Centre, Prague 5 – Nové Butovice In 2016, Černý installed Trifot—a 12 meter sculpture hybrid of a tripod and a head covered in cameras: Nikon, Canon, Leica. The sculpture is mobile (“mutated”), records viewers, and the footage appears on nearby screens. Interpretations Surveillance city: We live in an era of surveillance—even we, the tourists. Technology and privacy: Trifot is ironic—the camera watches everyone, but the question “who watches the camera?” remains open. Miminka – Growing Symbols Among Codes (2000–2019) Locations: Žižkov Television Tower: temporarily in 2000, permanently since 2001, replaced with more durable versions in 2019. Bronze variants near Kampa Museum: since 2008. Interpretations and Fun Facts Dehumanization: Babies with cartoon code faces—symbols of technological indifference. Volksliebe? The city fell in love with them, making them a permanent part of the skyline—originally intended only as a temporary happening. Young vampires: “Angels of destruction”—simultaneously sweet and unsettling. Saint Wenceslas on a Dead Horse – Pride Upside Down (1999–2000) Location: Lucerna Passage Created in 1999, it was hung as a provocation to the Monument of Saint Wenceslas in the city center—toppling the historical narrative by turning it upside down. It was moved from there in 2000. Interpretations: De assimilation of myth: Patriotism that no longer adheres to convention. Critique of the establishment: Possibly aimed at the presidency of Václav Klaus. The Hanging Freud – The Intellectual in Suspension (1997–2007) Location: Husova Street Signed in 1997, the sculpture hangs over passersby, featuring Sigmund Freud in a pocket. It symbolizes intellectual helplessness, but also hope for self rescue. Interesting History: In 2007 (Chicago) and 2009 (Seoul), people thought it was a man jumping and called emergency services. Pissing Politicians – The Grotesque of Advising (2004) Location: Franz Kafka Museum Although legend says SMS messages controlled the water, the reality is less spectacular. A fountain featuring two political figures urinating into a bowl shaped like the Czech Republic—a commentary on a state whose politicians “pee on” reality. Interpretations: Democracy written… in water. PR metaphor: They let out whatever they want, whenever they want. Quo Vadis – The Trabant on a Parade of Freedom (1990) Location: German Embassy / Musoleum A Trabant on legs, referencing the escape of East German citizens through the West German embassy in 1989. Created in 1990, it stood in Prague and is now also located inside the Musoleum. Interpretation: Symbol of migration and a new path. Historical irony: It stands, but strangely.

## Keep reading

- [In the Footsteps of David Černý – A Journey Through Prague’s Darker Side](https://satoricities.com/en/blog/david-cerny-prague-dark-side/) | Markdown: https://satoricities.com/en/blog/david-cerny-prague-dark-side.md
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