Zdeněk Hajný did not merely paint—he conjured realms. His canvases are portals, shimmering with cosmic energy and luminous hues, pulling viewers into dimensions beyond ordinary perception. A Czech painter, psychologist, and mystic, Hajný wove together science and spirituality, birthing a genre of conceptual art that defied easy categorization. His works, saturated with celestial blues, radiant golds, and deep dark green paint colors, possess a meditative quality, inviting contemplation of the infinite.
Hajný was not content with static imagery; he sought to dissolve the boundaries between art, sound, and consciousness. His collaboration with Japanese composer Yoshie Ichige, Starry Voice, is a testament to his belief that art should be an immersive, multisensory voyage—a communion between the viewer and the vast unknown.
The Fusion of Psychology and Abstract Art
Born into a family of educators, Zdeněk Hajný’s path seemed preordained to combine intellect with creativity. From 1956 to 1959, he attended secondary school in Vsetín, where he studied painting under the guidance of Professor Břetislav Janovský. His formal education then took him to the University of Agriculture in Brno (now Mendel University), where he pursued economic studies, graduating in 1964. However, his passion for art and psychology would soon lead him down a more unconventional path.
From 1964 to 1967, he worked as an economist and teacher in the Beroun region while painting during his free time and lecturing on psychology. His dual interests in the scientific and creative realms intersected when he began his professional career as a teacher at the Institute for the Education of Agricultural Workers. From 1968 to 1970, he interned at a psychological workplace in Berlin, all while continuing to nurture his growing interest in art.
Hajný’s fascination with psychology led him to pursue advanced studies at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy. His academic work was reflected in his art—he often explored how creativity, consciousness, and emotional states can intertwine to produce transcendental experiences.
Since the mid-1960s, Hajný had painted as a hobby, but by 1983, he had committed to the practice professionally. His works were deeply spiritual and psychological, finding their way into sacred spaces and accompanying scientific, spiritual, and musical programs. He saw his art not just as visual expression, but as a form of healing—a way to unlock the human subconscious and engage with deeper layers of existence.
Recognized Visionary and Legacy
Throughout his career, Hajný’s contributions to both the art world and the field of applied psychology were widely recognized. He received numerous accolades, including the Prague 11 Prize for significant personalities in 2001 and the prestigious Salvador Dalí Award in 2005 from the S. Dalí International Alliance. In 2009, he was honored with La Médaille d’Or Internationale, and in the years that followed, he was awarded honorary citizenships by several Slovakian municipalities.
But Hajný’s true legacy extends far beyond awards and titles. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he was instrumental in creating the Zdeněk Hajný Gallery of Paths to Light, a unique space designed to foster both therapeutic and educational experiences. His gallery became a hub for people seeking deeper understanding through art, psychology, and spirituality.
His works have been displayed at numerous solo and group exhibitions in both the Czech Republic and abroad. Hajný’s paintings have even been incorporated into multimedia programs, notably the Starry Voice project, which he co-created with the renowned Japanese composer and singer Yoshie Ichige. Together, they performed globally, using art and sound to transport audiences into otherworldly realms.
A Timeless Artistic Vision
Zdeněk Hajný’s art continues to captivate and inspire. He was not merely an artist; he was a guide to the infinite, inviting viewers to step into a world governed by the natural laws of the cosmos. His use of dark green paint colors, interwoven with radiant bursts of color, evokes the energy of nebulae and the swirling movements of celestial bodies. His paintings have an immersive quality, not just depicting space, but making the viewer feel as if they are part of it.
Editor’s Choice
Today, his works are as relevant as ever. In a world that seems increasingly disconnected from the mysteries of the universe, Hajný’s paintings serve as a reminder to look beyond the material and embrace the spiritual and unknown. His ability to fuse art with psychology, spirituality, and sound remains an unparalleled achievement—one that transcends the boundaries of time and medium.