A new Kafka exhibit crawls onto the Prague art scene

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death, a unique artistic tribute has been unveiled at the Dorado Gallery and Café in Prague.

Titled From Idea to Work—Metamorphosis: A Plastic and Graphic Tribute to Kafka, the exhibition features 100 intricately crafted paper beetles, each representing the insect from Kafka’s famous short story The Metamorphosis. Artists from Mexico, France, the U.S., and Chile collaborated on the project, bringing a variety of graphic and plastic techniques to life through paper.

The exhibit, which opened on Nov. 7, is organized by Área 7 and led by Fernando Aroche, with support from RV Promotora Cultural and the LATAM Collective. It’s part of a broader series of events commemorating Kafka’s life and work throughout 2024.

“Kafka’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary creators across disciplines,” Aroche says. The exhibition also explores the lasting impact of Kafka’s themes of alienation and transformation on art, music, and performance.

In addition to the paper beetles, the opening of the exhibition featured a performance by César Torres, a renowned guitarist known as “Mexican in Tuscany” who blends classical and Mexican music. Visitors can view the exhibition throughout the month, with plans to take it on tour to other European cities afterwards.

Kafka’s The Metamorphosis has been an inspiration to many artists, and the exhibition brings that timeless work into the visual arts realm. Kafka’s exploration of identity and human transformation resonates deeply within the exhibit, highlighting how his writing continues to shape artistic expression today.

This event is one of several organized this year by Área 7, an organization that has also curated popular exhibitions like 100 Fridas para Frida and Picasso en la Memoria across Europe and Mexico. The tribute to Kafka at Dorado Coffee exemplifies the organization’s mission to support international artists while also adding to the rich cultural landscape of Prague.

As 2024 marks Kafka’s 100th death anniversary, Prague is abuzz with exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that continue to celebrate the author’s enduring legacy. Known for his profound connection to the city, Kafka’s influence remains palpable, especially as Prague commemorates the writer through this year of tribute.

Dorado Coffee, located within the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African, and American Cultures, is more than just a café—it’s a cultural hub. Since opening earlier this year, it has hosted art exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and pop-up events.

The café, with its modern industrial design and Colombian roots, provides a warm, international atmosphere that complements its connection to the global art scene. Its gallery space has now been transformed into a tribute to Kafka’s legacy, reinforcing the café’s role as a cultural space in the heart of Prague.