Silver medal Ales Lamr - Měňavka 2016 Proof

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Art for Václav Havel

The former St. Anne's Church in Prague is a Gothic building that has graced the Old Town since the 14th century, and its donors at the time included, for example, John of Luxembourg and Eliška Premyslovna. Since the 18th century, the charismatic building had ceased to serve spiritual purposes, which the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE 97 decided to change in 2004 when it established the cultural and artistic centre Prague Crossroads in the historic premises. Its flourishing was a great dream of the former President Václav Havel.

The noble desire to turn the former church into a place for meetings, concerts, exhibitions, lectures and meditations was also supported by the Czech Mint in cooperation with leading Czech artists. The result is a unique project, which is the work of Bořek Šípek, Jiří David, Kurt Gebauer, David Černý, Jaroslav Róna, Olbram Zoubek and Aleš Lamr. Each of these artists has prepared an original design for a commemorative medal, thus contributing to the extraordinary series Art for Václav Havel. The proceeds from the sale of each mintage are donated to the Prague Crossroads!

The newest addition to the series is a coloured silver medal called Měňavka, designed by Aleš Lamr, a painter and sculptor who collaborated with Václav Havel on a number of projects - among other things, he was involved in the creation of the murals in the presidential office during the period when Havel held the post.

Aleš Lamr at the Czech Mint with his medal

The obverse of the medal is dominated by a pop-art colourful amoeba. Apart from the main motif, the obverse side features the symbol of the Prague Crossroads, which contains a heart - something President Havel liked to attach to his signature. The reverse of this work is also quite characteristic of the artist and, in addition to the play of colours, hides a spiritual meaning. The commemorative medal combines a limited edition, pure silver, an exclusive wooden etui, an interesting artistic motif and also the help of a good cause!