Jaroslav Soumar
born 26th January 1970, Broumov
Czech illustrator, painter and art educator. He studied in Broumov, continued
at the Secondary School in Trutnov (social-law specialization), and later completed his pedagogical
studies at Charles University in Prague. Since 1994 he has been working as an art teacher at the Art School in Police nad Metují.
His work focuses primarily on illustration for children and young people, authorial books,
leisure-time projects and visual environments designed for children's institutions. Soumar’s work is
characterised by playfulness, gentle humour and the ability to establish a visual dialogue with
young viewers. He regularly participates in regional and national exhibitions, showing both
independently and collectively. His illustrations also accompanied the Days of Czech Music in
Japan.
In his personal artistic practice, he responds to lived moments and returns to intuitive drawing.
This stream is also present in the exhibition “Time to Draw”.
INTERESTING FACTS:
Author of the commemorative plaque unveiled for the 90th birthday of composer, arranger and band leader Václav Hybš. He draws on his experience as a climber when capturing movement and dynamics in his artistic and animation work — a quality praised by art professionals. He created the hand-painted metal signs as well as the main entrance sign for The Secret Gallery.
WORKS & ACTIVITIES
TIME TO DRAW EXHIBITION
Illustrations
Animation
Authorial Children's Books
Aimed at beginning young readers not only through their artistic concept, but also through a strong didactic accent. Beyond supporting aesthetic perception and developing imagination, the books encourage children to notice the environment they live in and not overlook seemingly most ordinary details.
Pírko
(A little Feather)
A book for the very youngest readers, telling the story of a little bird boy named Pírko, who one spring day discovers a flower seed - and from that moment, his life changes completely. Step by step, the carefree younster grows into a responsible, hardworking and selfless member of a small community of animals living together in a beautiful valley.
Drobečky
(Crumbs)
A collection of small stories for children, accompanied by the author's own illustrations.
The opening reads: "A memory is like a crumb left on the table. It stays with us. After some time we discover it again - it delights us and warms the heart. We feel the urge to share it with others. That is how the story was born, and with it, the beginning of this book..."
