The alien Green Raoul, whose authors named it after the First Republic elegant Raoul Spáchnil (1910–1998), began to conquer the Czech Republic from the table of the Vinohrady cafe Demínka in 1994, where the idea for it arose. “It was supposed to be published in Reflex for only three months, from January to March 1995. Then it was decided that until the end of the year. And he remained without two months for 28 years,” said Štěpán Mareš (50), the creator of Raoul’s image to Blesk, whose sketches, final versions, scandalous episodes, but also other works outside of comics are being exhibited by Galerie Tančící dům from Tuesday.
Mareš spent time with Raoul week after week, even on holidays and perhaps during fevers. “He didn’t just come out twice. The first time I had a really bad sore throat, the second time after Tuesday September 11, 2001 and the attack on the World Trade Center in New York,” said the artist, whose colorful universe people can now see up close with their own eyes. “We present him as he is mostly unknown,” Robert Vůjtek, director of the gallery, told Blesk. “In addition to politics, there are also works inspired by women, pop culture, roads, weapons and cars.” The two floors of drawings are sure to surprise.
Janžurka sends him comics
The exhibition also presents other works dominated by women. “I enjoy drawing, but not caricature. Only a few can handle it. They are mostly vain and don’t like the result. The exception is Iva Janžurová (81), she knows how to make fun of herself,” said Mareš. “You know she draws comics herself? Only when he’s bored. Sometimes he takes pictures of them and sends them to me via mobile,” he revealed.
Sheldon’s inspiration
Today, not even Mareš himself understands how he managed years of hectic work. In addition to comics, he drew jokes for Blesk (2004) and other commissions, sometimes also freelance work, which he wants to devote himself to in the coming years. “I probably wouldn’t go into another project like Raoul. As Jim Parsons (50), Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, said when the series ended after 12 years: ‘It will be nice to enjoy life a little too.'” flight with Raoul.
A place of honor for scandals
Not even Green Raoul was spared court battles, controversies and protests. Maybe after release strip with Karl Gott (†80) and Mája the bee. “Perhaps Petra Paroubková (49), the wife of former Prime Minister Jiří Paroubek (70), was tried because of the alleged depiction of a sexual act. At the same time, there was only a black box with the text: ‘Hrk hrk’. And it was a dispute for several years,” said Mareš. Space is also dedicated to these scandalous pieces of his work at the exhibition.
Zeman was good at cartoons
Dozens of politicians turned into caricatures under the tip of Mareš’s pen, who drew the worst? “Best ex-presidents Zeman, Klaus, Havel... For example, former senator Václav Fischer (68) is the worst. He was quite the cutie, you can’t take anything away from that. Since he doesn’t have a prominent sideburn, chin, front bite or something, but maybe a more or less symmetrical face, it’s difficult to make a caricature,” revealed Mareš.
What, where, when, for how much
Green Raoul and other visual arts Gallery Tančící dům, Jiráskovo náměstí 6, Prague 2 When: until September 25, 2023, daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. How much: Adults 190 CZK, children 110 CZK, students under 26 and seniors over 65 145 CZK, family admission (2 adults + 2 children) 450 CZK, ZTP card holders 50 CZK.
1995: On January 14, the first volume of Ufoun’s stories was published.
