Works of art associated with architecture of mining complexes in the Ostrava-Karviná Coalfield (Czech Republic)

Abstract This articles maps works of art in mine complexes in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (in the northeastern part of the country bordering Poland). In the territory of the former Czechoslovakia, it was customary between ca. 1945-1989 to accompany architecture of the newly constructed buildings with so-called monumental artworks, which included sculptures, a wide range of wall artworks, but also design objects. Government Resolution No. 355/1965 even established a mandatory percentage of the whole budget for the application of art in all state-funded construction activities. As a result of this custom, even newly constructed, or rebuilt, mine sites were accompanied by several works of art. This article documents them, deals with their themes, motifs, and the involvement of the investor in their realisation. During the transformation of the mining region and the demolition of mining areas, these artistic elements have disappeared and are still disappearing. Nonetheless, their motifs still recall the region’s industrial past and help maintain its collective identity within the mining tradition. The study is supplemented with a map which catalogues all the recorded works.