Unconductive trash

Unconductive trash is the pseudonym of two graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. Michal Pěchouček (*1973) studied in the printmaking studio of Jiří Lindovský and in the visual communication studio of Jiří David. Rudi Koval (*1991) worked first in the studio led by Jiří Příhoda and later that of Vladimír Skrepl, and during his studies spent a placement at Middlesex University in London. The duo's work builds on Michal Pěchouček's earlier practice, which began with traditional printmaking techniques and painting and later came to include textiles and embroidery. To this are added, above all, Rudi Koval's abstract monochrome underpaintings. They have worked together since 2019, when Michal Pěchouček was the external examiner for Rudi Koval's diploma thesis and the two soon discovered that their artistic starting points complemented and inspired each other. Since then they have worked exclusively together under a pseudonym that is an anagram of the artists' home towns — Duchcov (Michal Pěchouček) and Traunstein (Rudi Koval). Their joint work explores the cultural, historical and social aspects of life. Together they have exhibited at Galerie Rudolfinum, Topičův salon, Faith Gallery in Brno and Nevan Contempo in Prague, among others.