Bílovice nad Svitavou 1915
Stanislav Kostka Neumann, a decadent and symbolist poet, epitomized the typical urban man. His stay in the Moravian village of Bílovice nad Svitavou (1907–1915) marked a clearly defined period in his life, yet one that was boundless in ideas and remarkably productive in writing. During this time, Neumann’s interest in an alternative social order (anarchism), modern art (cubism, civilism), and philosophical movements (vitalism) intertwined with his evolving relationship with his surroundings—people, nature, progress, modern technology, and ideas. This period not only highlighted his perceptiveness but also signaled a profound personal transformation and an increasing tolerance for entirely different perspectives.
However, the intoxicating spirit of free-thinking that characterized all of Neumann’s work seemed to vanish with his departure to the front in 1915. A specific place disappeared, and with it, the ‘happy moment’ came to an end—something singular and unrepeatable was lost.