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Walter Gaudnek Collection, 1945-2009

 

Summary

Abstract:
The Walter Gaudnek Collection comprises manuscript materials, original works, posters, and photographs that chronicle the life and artistic development of Dr. Walter Gaudnek, a University of Central Florida art faculty member. Ranging from 1945 to the present, the collection focuses on the artist and gives voice to Gaudnek's fans and critics alike. World events such as the 1972 Olympic Games, the Holocaust, and the September 11th attacks are featured in the collection through his work both as a commissioned artist who is witness to the event (Munich Games) and as an artist expressing his deep emotions for human tragedy.
Extent:
7.25 Linear Feet 7 Boxes, 6 Portfolios, 1 Flat File
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Walter Gaudnek Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

The Gaudnek Collection includes manuscript materials, exhibition booklets, pamphlets, photographs, news articles, original artwork and posters. The collection is divided into six series.

Series I: Exhibition Booklets, 1980-2005, are five art exhibition books in both English and German that focus on specific exhibitions by the artist. These books are what a patron could purchase or would receive with admission to an art exhibition. Exhibition booklets also appear in multiple bound books found in series III.

Series II: Posters and Photographs, 1969-2007, comprises publicity posters and photographs used to promote various exhibitions.

Series III: Artist Books, 1945-2008, are books that were specially bound by Flying Horse Press at the request of the artist and contains memorabilia either produced by or for the artist. The books are created according to themes and time periods important to the artist. Some compilation books have been created by third parties. The books cover a wide span of time, including Gaudnek's early years as an artist in college through to his more current work at the University of Central Florida.

Series IV: Oversize Artist Books, 1962-2006, are bound by UCF Library contains "Gaudnek Broadway Drawings" dating from 1962-1968 and compiled in 2006. "Elegy to New Orleans" is another title compiled by Gaudnek which includes art and media photographs from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. Series also holds a title "Walter Gaudnek Introspective Portraits" compiled by University of Central Florida Professor Jagdish J. Chavda.

Series V: Portfolios, 1961-2009, includes portfolios that are housed in individiual custom constructed from hard archival cover board. Portfolios contain Gaudnek's digital collage prints, signed and dated by the artist.

Series VI: Miscellaneous, 1969-2007, holds various exhibition announcements, articles, news clippings, correspondence, and a photograph related to Gaudnek's work. Items are arranged in chronological order.

Biographical / historical:

Walter Gaudnek, Ph.D., born in 1931 in Czechoslovakia is a self-proclaimed 'rebel artist'. Known for his blending of bold colors with philosophy, labyrinth installations, and personal mixtures of performance and art, Gaudnek has influenced generations with his stark look at world issues through these mediums. Gaudnek continues his work today both as an artist and an educator with the University of Central Florida's Art Department. Gaudnek's work is featured in permanent collections around the world, including the Gaudnek Studio in Altomünster, Germany (now the Gaudnek Museum) and at the University of Central Florida libraries.

Acquisition information:
The materials were transferred to the Special Collections and University Archives by Dr. Walter Gaudnek in 2004 (CFM2004_01), 2006, and 2007 (CFM2007_XX).
Processing information:

News clippings were photocopied onto acid-free paper and metal clips replaced with plastic clips. Some materials were rehoused in acid-free folders while all of the manuscript material is held in boxes. Duplicates were removed and several pieces of art are stored in a climate controlled facility. Additional materials added as receieved.

Collection processed by April Karlene Anderson; finding aid prepared by April Karlene Anderson.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Unpublished records are protected by copyright. Permission to publish quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

Walter Gaudnek Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Location of this collection:
John C. Hitt Library
12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2
Orlando
FL
32816-8030
USA