Finding the Humor in Kafka

A full house at the Embassy of the Czech Republic enjoyed renowned Czech cartoonist Jiří Slíva's humorous illustrations in the exhibition KAFKA & CO. on September 3, launching the Mutual Inspirations Festival in celebration of the prolific writer Franz Kafka. Czech Ambassador Petr Gandalovič kicked off the program acknowledging the roots the festival has taken in DC and celebrating the ties between Czech and American cultures. Guests grooved to smooth jazz tunes performed on electric guitar by American University student Evan Maltz as they perused the many sides of Kafka, viewed through the wit of Slíva's drawings. Featured in over 150 publications including the The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Slíva is renowned for his creativity. He believes that “Kafka had fun for us” and portrays this belief through his cartoons and illustrations. The exhibition will remain on view until October 31.