Joza Uprka was born on October 26, 1861 in Knezdub, a small Moravian village, into a peasant family. His father, Jan Uprka, was a peasant and a self-taught painter who instilled in his children a love of folk tradition and art. Younger brother Frantisek became an important sculptor. Uprka went to school in Straznice, and later to the Slavic Gymnasium in Olomouc. He first studied at a German teacher’s institute, but soon transferred to the Slavic Gymnasium, where he began to devote himself to drawing.

In 1881 he entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where he studied under Frantisek Cermak. After three years, he continued at the Munich Academy, which at the time was considered the center of European art. Here he participated in the founding of the “Skreta” artistic association, whose members were also Alfons Mucha, Antonin Slavicek, Ludek Marold and other important artists.

After three years in Munich, he returned to Prague, where in 1888 he participated in the exhibition Krasoumne jednoty in the Rudolfin with the paintings “Pro perecko” and “Malerky.” However, the criticism of his work was unfavorable and affected him deeply. This failure led to Uprka becoming alienated from the Prague art scene and moving back to Moravia.

Uprka found rich inspiration in his Moravian Slovacko. He painted the everyday life of rural people and their costumes, festivities, work and landscapes. His paintings captured the authenticity of Moravian culture, for example weddings, harvests and folk festivals. Among his early works are “To the church,” “Lanstorfske hody” and “Na panskem.”

In 1892, he received a scholarship that allowed him to go to Paris. Here he studied the works of the old masters and current artistic trends, especially Impressionism. The stay in Paris influenced his painting style, which was characterized by fresh colors, light and the use of colored spots. At the Paris Salon of 1894, he received an honorable mention award for the painting “Pilgrimage to Saint Anthony.” This success brought Uprka recognition not only at home, but also abroad.

After returning to Hroznova Lhota, he built a house with a studio, which he later rebuilt according to the design of architect Dusan Jurkovic. Uprka’s studio became a meeting place for artists such as the Mrstik brothers, Leos Janacek, Alois Kalvoda and others. During this time, his most famous works were created, including the “Ride of the Kings” (1896), which became a symbol of Moravian folk culture.

The period between 1895–1902 is considered the peak of Uprka’s work. He painted large-scale compositions such as “v Javornickem kostele,” “Pradlena” and “Lanstorfske hody.” He drew inspiration mainly from rural life in Moravian Slovakia and western Slovakia. His work won admiration not only for its artistic quality, but also for its documentary value – he faithfully captured folk costumes and traditions.

Uprka was involved in the artistic life of Moravia. He was a member of the Brno Friends of Art Club and organized exhibitions featuring Moravian and Slovak artists. In 1902, he organized the first joint exhibition of Moravian and Slovak artists in Hodonin, where, for example, Franta Uprka, Cyril Mandel and Jozef Hanula presented themselves.

In 1899, Uprka married Anezka Krslikova, a folk painter. They had four children together, two of whom died at an early age. Anezka suffered from mental illness and in 1905 was placed in a sanatorium in Kromeriz, where she remained until her death. This family fate had a significant influence on Uprka.

Later, his style shifted toward decorativeness. The figures in his paintings lost psychological depth, and his work was sometimes criticized for an excessive emphasis on ornamentation. Even so, Uprka remained an important figure in Czech and Moravian art.

At the end of the 1930s, Uprka withdrew into seclusion. He was ill and his work was waning. Due to the activities of his son Jan, who was a supporter of fascism, he faced suspicions of political collaboration, which marked his reputation.

Joza Uprka died on January 12, 1940 in Hroznova Lhota. He was buried in the cemetery in Knezdub next to his brother Frantisek. His legacy lives on not only through his works, but also through institutions such as the House of Artists in Hodonin. This helped to found, and schools bearing his name.

Joza Uprka is still considered one of the most important painters who documented the life of the Moravian countryside. His works represent a unique combination of realistic detail and impressionistic light. He preserved for future generations a unique image of the folk culture of Moravia and Slovakia, which makes him an unforgettable personality of Czech art. Joza Uprka Gallery in Uherske Hradiste played a key role in promoting Uprka’s work at home and abroad.

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