Background
Plicka was born in 1926 in a mining town of Kladno, former Czechoslovakia. His father was a miner, often unemployed and as many others at that time, could not give the family a decent living.
Plicka was born in 1926 in a mining town of Kladno, former Czechoslovakia. His father was a miner, often unemployed and as many others at that time, could not give the family a decent living.
He finished school with best possible results, skipped high school and was enrolled in an elite school "Real Gymnasium" in 1937.
This book depicts life in, and around Sydney streets, pubs, bars, galleries, and beaches. Starting a primary school meant a new happy life for Plicka. After World World War II, during which Czechoslovakian universities were closed, he continued his studies at Charles University of Prague and graduated as a pedagog.
Then until 1968, he was involved in sports professionally, coaching top Czechoslovakian swimmers.
In 1967, he was awarded a title Coach of the Year. In 1968, after Soviet invasion to Czechoslovakia, he fled to Australia.
He settled in Sydney, taking different jobs at different places, and started concentrating on street photography. Besides Australia, he photographed one year in Africa (1970s) and three years in Asia (1980s).
During last 35 years, he finished three books
At present time, only Streets of Sydney has been published. During recent years, Plicka held several exhibitions in Sydney, but prefers private life and does not seek a wider recognition.