The Art of Freedom

Chopin’s Waltz in a minor was escaping from the windows of the local art school, as Adam

walked from the bus stop. He was often amazed that the people had not lost their appetite

for learning music, dance or fine art, in spite of the dreary existence.

Like a silent resistance, or a gentle revenge, a few cultural individuals indulged in the world

of beauty. Culture had never died. Not even the worst period of Stalinism had

extinguished the infatuation people had with beauty. Art is immortal, though sometimes

suppressed and dormant in its embryonic stage. Adam walked from the bus stop with

Chopin in the background. By the time he reached the art school, the Waltz changed into

Ballade in g Minor. The melody was so lovely that he sat down on a bench in front of the school

and listened. With every note and harmony, he felt like an epiphany came down upon him. He saw

clearly his life beyond the barbed wire. Of course he imagined the escape before, maybe a

thousand times over. But now he saw it. Like a déjà vu, the Technicolor dream seemed almost real.

He saw himself living elsewhere, and this image was so seductive that he almost choked with

emotions. Suddenly, it was all clear. Adam felt emerged in the crescendo of music. He knew he

would not waste any more time, and he would focus all his efforts on getting out. In that

single minute all was lost and all was found. Whoever was playing the ballade on the piano

that afternoon was part angel, and part rascal, with almost full responsibility for the journey

Adam would embark on. The scent of freedom, the love of his life, had never faded away.

His happiness was a shooting star, much like a comet without destination.

Testimonials

“I have always been inspired by Milan Heger’s creativity both as a fine artist and architect.

His paintings and designs have an innate sense of harmony, balance, color, and energy.

A pure delight in the act of expression. These characteristics of Milan Heger and his work

have captured the attention of collectors and myself and has kept us captivated since his

arrival in the USA in 1989. When I read his debut novel, The Art of Freedom, I was moved

to find that Heger brings to his writing those same senses, clearly revealing another aspect

of the stream of creativity that flows so readily through him as an artist. Milan Heger

brilliantly and with touching humanity portrays how Art can be a key to multiple aspects of

freedom.”

—Patricia Cameron, Art Dealer / Curator Patricia Cameron Gallery

 

"A life painted with dark and light. An artistic journey where youth prevails over the

shackles of the iron curtain and love lost is found again. This novel could easily become a

cinematic masterpiece.”

—Stephen McGehee, Director of Photography Los Angeles, CA

 

"Milan Heger's book is simply a journey. A magical journey of an unusually talented artist,

who experienced two very different political systems. The reader may identify with the

quest for freedom and search for the truth.Pursuit of freedom and the illusion of truth

always attracted artists, but seeking freedom may be like bubbles in a glass of champagne.

The book masterfully invites the reader to join the artist on his cultural journey.”

—Evgeniy Voronin, Magician