Jiri Bystrican
Painter & Leather Sculptor (Sydney, NSW)

Jiri was born in Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic) in 1943 and graduated in 1970 , majoring in Art and Art Education. After the graduation Jiri taught Visual Art in secondary and tertiary schools.

Soviet occupation of Czechslovakia in 1968 and the events after let him to publicly express his anticommunist views which ultimately resulterd in him being banned from teaching. Since then he has worked mostly in building sites and in warehouses.

In 60's and 70's Jiri had various solo and joined exhibitions of paintings and leather works.

Since his arrival to Australia in 1981 he made a few attempts to resurrect his artistic ambitions, however work and other commitments allowed him to complete only few works.

In 2001 Jiri decided to leave Sydney for the Hunter Valley where he started painting again. In 2002 he had solo exhibition in Sydney Renaissance Hotel (now Marriot) comprising 28 paintings and 2 leather sculptures. In 2003 one of his leather sculptures received a "Highly Commended" award at the annual "Gosford Art Prize".

In 2004 Jiri moved back to Sydney. At present some of his paintings are in Sydney Galleries as well as in galleries in Hunter Valley.

Jiri's paintings are more than just colours shapes and compositions. There is always a meaning showing deeply philosophical aproach to life and his leather sculptures make a highly decorative addition to any home or commercial enviroment.

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