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Exhibition of photographs by ČTK reporter Václav Šálek (pictured), January 9, 2023, Břeclav.
Břeclav – Photographer Václav Šálek exhibited a selection of reportage images taken over more than 20 years of work for the Czech Press Office (ČTK) in his hometown Břeclav. For the national press agency, he mainly records events in South Moravia, including extraordinary events, but also cultural events or sports matches. Those interested can view the photos in the Břeclav synagogue until March 26.
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Photo Gallery
The exhibition has already had several presentations, after the premiere in the Brno Customs House, people could also see it in the premises of the Senate in Prague, then in Boskovice in Blanensko and in the open air at the Brno Observatory. After Břeclav, a release is being prepared in Lysice in Blanensko, later probably also in Lednice, Uherské Hradiště and Znojmo, said Šálek, who will soon celebrate his 50th birthday. He takes stock not only through the exhibition, but also in a simultaneously published photo book.
As an agency photojournalist, Šálek covers a wide range of topics from folklore to winemaking and viticulture to top politics and sports. He considers the recording of sports matches to be a permanent challenge. “It's always waiting for the magic of the moment,” said Šálek.
In 2021, Šálek documented the consequences of a devastating tornado in Břeclavsk and Hodonínsk from the first moments. “Looking at those photos still makes me emotional,” he said. A photo from 2020 showing inflatable models of space bodies on Kraví hora in Brno shows, for example, a more peaceful form of the photojournalist's work. She received the photo of the month award from the Czech Photo company.
Sálek, a graduate of the Břeclav grammar school, picked up a camera for the first time at the age of 11. After several years, he became a member of the Břeclav Photo Club, with which he regularly exhibited and participated in competitions. He has been engaged in news and reportage photography since 1993. He has photographed for regional media and music magazines, since 2002 he has been working for the Czech Press Office, mainly in South Moravia, but also elsewhere, often in Slovakia.
ČTK was founded in 1918 as a state press agency. Since 1993, it has been a public institution separate from the state in terms of property and economy. The agency does not receive any subsidies from the state budget, does not collect concessionaire fees and covers all costs from its commercial activities.
