cityLOVE is a long-term project by Czech photographers Jana Jabůrková and Jiří Turek. The first photos in the series were taken more than 20 years ago. At the exhibition, however, you will only see a small selection of the entire series, which comprises over 600 images from around the world. The basis of all the photos is the atmosphere. It is not important for the photo to be sharp or descriptive. The aim is to capture the disappearing genius loci of cities, so that viewers can experience the unique atmosphere of the place, similar to what the photographers felt when taking the picture. 

The authors capture plotlines, sequences of events and everyday stories. The final version’ form will result from the moods and impressions associated with the photo shoot’s progress.

Large-format photos with a high-gloss finish are produced using ResinArt technology, whereby a photograph is glued to an aluminum plate and then hand-poured with resin. Some of the exhibited photographs are printed on an archival photographic canvas and also glued to a Dibond aluminum plate.

“Do you know that feeling when you’re flying back home, and just before landing, you realise that your city is the best in the world? You experience it just a few kilometers above the ground, and it’s a special moment. Jana and I try to capture that feeling everywhere we are. The only difference is that our feet are on the ground,” explains Jiří. 

“We are observers, visitors and random passers-by. We are not artificially looking for the right moment, it will find us on its own. You either feel it or you don’t. If you give the city your attention, it will return it to you a hundredfold,” adds Jana.

Jana Jabůrková (* 1975) has worked in travel agencies, the media, PR, and as a spokesperson for the Czech Energy Transfer Grid (ČEPS) and the PM Rusnok’s government. However, photography has always been her true passion, and she has been working with Jiří Turek since 2014. 

Jiří Turek (* 1965) began his career as a photojournalist. He has photographed high-profile individuals and groups such as David Bowie, Luciano Pavarotti, Lou Reed, Sting and Rolling Stones, as well as taking part in world campaigns for brands such as Finlandia vodka, Aegon and Altoids. In Czechia, he has worked with companies such as T-mobile, Vodafone, Škoda Auto, etc. He lived in New York, London and Berlin for several years. He also taught photography at the Silesian University in Opava.