Automatic Trains of Thought – Desk

Lubo Kristek’s “Automatic Trains of Thought – Desk” is more than just a painting; it's a meticulously crafted assemblage that encapsulates the artist’s profound engagement with existential themes and his pioneering approach to immersive art experiences. Created in 1975 during a spirited debate concerning abortion law amongst fellow artists—Wolf Hildebrandt HIL, Josef ‘Sepp’ Kober, Dietmar Scharfe, Egon Stöckle and Erich Zettl—the artwork sprang from a spontaneous reaction to the discussion itself.

Kristek captured the moment of departure with remarkable immediacy. He swiftly transferred an image of the conversation onto his kitchen table, imbued with palpable emotion. The resulting piece reflects Kristek’s fascination with capturing fleeting thoughts and feelings – hence the title's evocative reference to trains traversing a landscape of ideas.

The composition itself is striking. A weathered wooden desk dominates the scene, encircled by three chairs woven with barbed wire—a deliberate symbol representing both the arduous journey toward liberation and the omnipresent obstacles encountered along life’s path. Above one chair hangs a crown of thorns, its presence ambiguous; it suggests a contemplation on suffering and resilience.

Objects of everyday life – bread, a knife, pork fat, a bottle, and glass – are incorporated into the assemblage, each wired up to reinforce the central concept: these items exist within reach but remain inaccessible. The slow curing process of the bread and fat underscores Kristek’s interest in temporal change as an integral part of artistic expression.

“Automatic Trains of Thought – Desk” participated in Kristek’s happening “Space of Soul” in 1992, cementing its place within a broader context of experimental art. The artwork's enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke contemplation on freedom, vulnerability, and the complexities of human experience—a testament to Kristek’s visionary artistic vision.

• Artist: Lubo Kristek
• Year Created: 1975
• Medium: Assemblage (Painting, Sculpture)
• Dimensions: 270 x 200 cm
• Location: Currently housed in The Rich Symbolism “In the Captivity of the Wordly Cathedral”

The photograph showcases a detailed depiction of the desk and its surroundings, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and symbolic layering characteristic of Kristek’s oeuvre. It serves as an invaluable visual aid for understanding the artwork's conceptual depth.