Oh, Those Fabulous Brom Sisters

In 'Oh, Those Fabulous Brom Sisters,' two sisters embrace each other closely—forming a heart. The womb-shaped gap in the space between them creates an intimate appeal, even tapping into the idea of womanhood. Shortly after the fall of communism, the Czech Republic was in a state of turmoil. In response, Saudek uses this depiction to showcase strong forces of family unity, highlighting intimacy and bond, as well as the rarity of finding a refuge. Although this photograph was created in the early 90s, its aesthetic harks back to photographic traditions of the early twentieth century, with its rich sepia-tone and accompanying backdrop. The sister on the left wears a dress that is reminiscent of traditional Czech dress; its bright color adds a unique tone to what may otherwise be considered a dull color palette.

[Corey Gordon, wall text in "Suppression, Subversion, and the Surreal: The Art of Czechoslovakian Resistance," USC Fisher Museum of Art, March 9 - May 10, 2019.]