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Open 10:00–5:00

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  • Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Food and Drink
    • Tours and Guides
    • Explore the Campus

    Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    Admission is always free

    6th and Constitution Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20565

    Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

    Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights

    Through September 5

  • Exhibitions & Events

    • Exhibitions
    • Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Events

    America’s 250th

    Celebrating American art and artists

  • Art & Artists

    • Artworks
    • Artists
    • Stories
    • Fun and Games
    • Educational Resources
    • Research

    Open Call

    Artists Reimagining the Collection

    Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Utility

  • Support
  • Shop
  • Become a Member

  • Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Food and Drink
    • Tours and Guides
    • Explore the Campus

    Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    Admission is always free

    6th and Constitution Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20565

    Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

    Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights

    Through September 5

  • Exhibitions & Events

    • Exhibitions
    • Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Events

    America’s 250th

    Celebrating American art and artists

  • Art & Artists

    • Artworks
    • Artists
    • Stories
    • Fun and Games
    • Educational Resources
    • Research

    Open Call

    Artists Reimagining the Collection

    Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Utility

  • Support
  • Shop
  • Become a Member

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  • Open 10:00–5:00
  • See extended hours

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    3. Jan Otava

    Jan Otava

    Czech, born 1950

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    Artwork

    The image features a low angle view, dense network of thick, dark lines resembling tangled vegetation, a high horizon with lighter tones implying the sky, and faint indications of distant elements like hills or trees. The brushstroke technique consists of bold lines creating chaotic texture and contrast between dark and light areas. The monochromatic color palette includes shades of black and gray. Patterns of densely packed lines are seen in the foreground, with the composition opening up more in the background.
    Jan Otava, Zivá a mrtvá príroda (Living and Dead Nature), 1982, etching, drypoint and roulette in black ink, Gift of Gerald Cerny, 2000.166.155

    Zivá a mrtvá príroda (Living and Dead Nature)

    Zivá a mrtvá príroda (Living and Dead Nature)

    Jan Otava · 1982 · etching, drypoint and roulette in black ink ·  Accession ID  2000.166.155

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