Saki Matsumoto X Cierne Diery

Saki Matsumoto, an illustrator and graphic designer located between Tokyo and Prague, recently collaborated with Čierne Diery, a Slovak architect research and printmaking centre, on a series of 3 Risograph prints. Each of the prints illustrates specific architecture of Slovakia; House in Gorazdova Street (Bratislava), Starý Smokovec (Tatras), and Stará Tržnica (Bratislava).

Since 2014 Čierne diery have been devoting themselves to overlooked architectural works in Slovakia, from hundred-year-old factories and deserted spas, to icons of modern architecture. Their books have been discovered by thousands of readers, their graphic prints have become a phenomenon in the Slovak National Gallery collection, and proceeds from sales have helped communities in the areas of culture and charity work.

During the 2020 pandemic year Čierne diery raised approximately 200.000 EUR to support communities in the areas of art and charity work. The main source of finances was the creation of graphic prints, or the subsequent auctioning of works donated by the collectors themselves. They contributed to the people without homes, cultural organisations and people with various disabilities.

The first print in Saki’s collaboration with the charitable organisation is House in Gorazdova street, a 4 colour Risograph, created in its original format in Adobe Fresco. The house was built in the 1960s by sculptor, jeweller, and medallist Erna Masarovičová with Štefan Kissoczy. The Art symposium, SEM, is held there every summer, and Saki participated herself back in 2020. Erna Masarovičová was one of the leading Slovak authors, as well as a pioneer in the technique of welding and cutting steel plates, and a designer of jewellery. The print also displays some works of the current owner, Erna’s daughter Kata kissoczky.

Starý Smokovec is a 3 colour Risograph, again created in Adobe Fresco, featuring the Tatra mountain range in the background with the half-timbered church of Starý Smokovec in the foreground. The church is the work of the architect Gedeon Majunke from 1888. The native of Spišská Sobota is called the architect of the High Tatras. He designed perhaps a third of the buildings after the boom from the tightened railway. So much so, that today people often mistakenly attribute the authorship of some foreign buildings to him. Saki tells us; “It cannot be said that Gedeon Majunke introduced any new Tatra style. Rather, he adapted and decorated the half-timbered architecture, known from various parts of Europe.” She continues; “I was reminded by the Tatras of something original. She put carnival masks in them – some joyful, some scary to ward off evil spirits. Like when winter ends and spring comes”.

The final print in the series, Stará tržnica, is composed of 4 Risograph colours, and depicts the old market hall in Bratislava. The hall was designed by an architect from Budapest, and completed by city engineers after his death. Saki describes; “I wanted to express cheerful atmosphere since the place is also meeting place from all the ages. When I visited it in the evening it was really busy, and saw a long queue at a beer stand.”

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