Ab Initio (2020-2021)
**The Search for the Origin**
*Ab Initio* (2020–2021) is a philosophical series where Havlíček embarks on an ambitious journey to uncover the genesis of all things—the spark that ignites creation, the first breath, the primal thought, the moment where existence begins. In this deeply contemplative body of work, he explores the concept of *beginning* not merely as a point in time but as a metaphysical event—a threshold between the void and creation itself. What does it mean to have a beginning? Is there such a moment, or are we all caught in an endless cycle of rebirth and transformation?
The series emerged during a period of global upheaval—the height of the pandemic—when Havlíček, like so many others, found himself in extreme isolation. The atmosphere was one of pervasive uncertainty and fear, with no clear end in sight. This isolation infused the work with a unique tension, as Havlíček wrestled with the futility of creative effort in a world seemingly brought to a standstill. Often, he found himself questioning whether his work had meaning in the face of such existential weight. The creative process became a struggle between hope and despair, with moments of doubt and feelings of waste overshadowing progress. Yet, in the midst of this uncertainty, Havlíček persisted, using his art to seek clarity and purpose in a time of profound disruption.
This search for origins led Havlíček into a period of radical experimentation. Driven by the need to disrupt his own methods and challenge traditional approaches, he immersed himself in the raw, chaotic energy of his surroundings. The paintings in *Ab Initio* were forged through a process that echoed the unpredictability and mystery of creation itself. Havlíček abandoned conventional materials and techniques, instead embracing the unconventional and seemingly unusable.
He began experimenting with various fabrics, allowing them to become both the medium and witness to the unfolding creative process. He incorporated paints, stains, and everyday materials—coffee, shellac, dirt, and even water from mopping his studio floors. These materials absorbed the energy and history of their environment, transforming into organic records of the physical space where the paintings were conceived. Often, Havlíček would leave his works mid-process for extended periods, exposing them to natural elements such as sunlight, moisture, and dust. Through this collaboration with time and nature, he sought to capture the unseen forces that breathe life into form, letting the world itself imprint its mark on the canvas.
The experimental nature of *Ab Initio* reflects the untamed and chaotic nature of beginnings—raw, unpredictable, and filled with potential. The works are layered, textured, and often imperfect, as if caught in a perpetual state of becoming. Havlíček embraced this imperfection as a vital part of creation, recognizing that the origin of any great transformation is rarely neat or controlled. Instead, it is messy and fertile with possibility, driven by an unseen force that defies logic or human understanding.
Philosophically, *Ab Initio* poses questions about the nature of intention and creation. Does the origin of an idea precede its manifestation, or does it emerge from the process itself? Havlíček’s work blurs the boundaries between intention and accident, suggesting that creation is a dialogue between the artist and the world—a dance between control and surrender. His process implies that beginnings are not isolated events but part of a continuum, shaped by both internal and external forces, conscious and unconscious.
This period also marked a turning point in Havlíček’s artistic practice. His engagement with unconventional materials and techniques became a metaphor for transformation itself. The dirt, water, and stains that permeate the paintings are not merely physical elements; they are symbolic carriers of history, memory, and energy. Each piece in *Ab Initio* is an artifact of its own creation—an object infused with the primal forces that shaped it.
Visually, the series is characterized by dynamic textures, layered surfaces, and a tension between control and chaos. Some areas of the paintings feel deliberate and meditative, while others are wild and untamed, bearing the imprint of time and the elements. This interplay mirrors the philosophical core of the series—the search for an origin within a universe in constant flux.
Through *Ab Initio*, Havlíček invites viewers to reflect on their own beginnings and the origins of their thoughts and actions. The works do not offer definitive answers but instead open a space for contemplation. What is the origin of thought, of existence, of creation? Is there a single point of beginning, or is the search for that point itself the act of creation?
Ultimately, *Ab Initio* is a testament to Havlíček’s resilience and his commitment to discovery. It captures a moment in his journey where experimentation, isolation, and uncertainty converged, shaping a profound inquiry into the primal forces that govern existence. In this series, Havlíček does not merely depict beginnings—he lives them, embracing the wild, untamed process of creation in all its raw complexity.
























