Perceptions

From 05/12/2023 To 26/01/2024

Perceptions

2023.12.05 – 2024.01.26

Our latest closed exhibition, titled “Perceptions” is based on the idea of the ability to see, or become aware of something through our senses. It is a complex, yet fascinating concept that lies at the heart of human experiences. It focuses on the viewer’s awareness of their surroundings and their ability to interpret these artworks in a new light. We invite visitors to challenge their perceptions and discover new ways of seeing the world.

András Végh

We are delighted to present András Végh’s (b. 1940) remarkable artworks for the first time in our gallery, and the joy is further enhanced by the opportunity to introduce him to our visitors within this captivating group exhibition. Initially reminiscent of cave paintings, his works feature simple colors, stick-like figures, and various objects on canvas. This concept brings a sense of joy each time I encounter his pieces—it's easily approachable yet leaves ample room for our ideas and creativity, inviting us to connect with the artwork and derive meaning. Exploring the canvas reveals numerous delightful details and snippets, offering a fresh discovery with each gaze.

“The aim of my artistic search is to apprehend the world and within it, humanity and myself. Things both visible and invisible become exposed under the light of nature. I adore the coincidental that inspires sentiment, the mysterious, the bizarre, the unforeseen, the surprising, and the grotesque the same way as I admire the magic of invention, the adventure through the unknown, the road from darkness to light and spontaneity filled with passion. The line, projected by my work, is essentially my lifeline. In our present, I portray my thoughts, and feelings that arise in the objective world, which in turn exists and changes independently of us, as subjectively as possible. Of course, everyone can nurture their garden of truth, within which we might notice the sprinkle of light constituting all that is alive. My work merely represents my own truth. It is only a part of Reality, yet it is real just the same. My creativity is stimulated by that which radiates beauty, humanness, and life energy mixed with the ambiance of contemporary life.”

Remaining active, his more recent works showcase a departure from depicting figures, revealing an intriguing evolution in his style and aesthetic. It's always fascinating to witness how the artist evolves. Emphasizing the process of creation over explicit depiction, he is notably process-oriented. His artworks incorporate writing-like elements, adding to the cave painting aesthetic with an unknown yet joyful vibe. Playful and enjoyable to behold, his works serve as a delightful entry point to art, setting a positive tone for the entire exhibition.

Ádám Misch

In his early works, he portrayed distinct shapes in varying sizes and colors, predominantly exploring different shades of brown. Transitioning through a temporary phase, his art embraced a Basquiat-like expressionist style, also incorporating numbers and letters into the compositions. As he evolved, his later works shifted towards lyrical abstract expressionism, accompanied by expressive titles. These pieces, suggestive and built on gestures, convey a robust expressionist worldview. Created shortly before his untimely demise, they lack a sense of finality, suggesting a continued artistic journey. Despite his truncated career, his creations maintain a contemporary and modern feel. Alongside his paintings, he delved into intriguing video works and experiments, leaving a desire for more exploration in these realms.

Described by a fellow artist “... always searching for something, scratching the surface of what one may call reality. His concept of truth was what lay beneath the varnish he used, which was perpetually labeled and classified by individuals who had nothing better to do. I don’t think he ever cared whether his art was an example of ‘lyrical expressionism’ or just an ‘expressive lyric’. His sole aim was to express ideas and emotions through mediums provided by nature”.

I'm consistently amazed by the myriad interpretations I discover in his paintings, and I find immense pleasure in sharing these observations with my friends. The vibrant colors collectively give a soothing and lively atmosphere to the exhibition space. These artworks are the kind I'd gladly hang above my bed, confident they would inspire pleasant dreams. The artist's creative process and the mesmerizing array of gestures and brushstrokes in his works are particularly intriguing to me and I would have loved to see more from him.

Szabolcs Szolnoki

We are also pleased to host Szolnoki’s beautiful artworks in our gallery for the first time. His paintings exist at the intersection of abstract and figurative, with either aspect occasionally taking precedence. His primary objective is not mere illustration but rather expression. He consistently establishes one or more focal points that serve as entry points for interpreting the painting's narrative. Elements outside these focal points, at the periphery, pose a challenge to capture individually, however, it is only through their collective presence that the picture attains completeness and coherence.

We witness his growth and the broadening of his artistic horizons. In his earlier works, the backdrop consistently featured interior settings adorned with household plants and furniture. However, in his more recent pieces, there's a noticeable shift as he ventures beyond these indoor spaces, exploring environments such as terraces and patios.

His creations always bring me a sense of surprise, offering a refreshing experience. Initially, it feels as though I've been transported to an ancient, somewhat forgotten memory where clarity is puzzling, and there's a subtle tension in the effort to enhance and prolong those times. These works provide a comforting and familiar feeling, bringing a sense of belonging to the depicted memories. Additionally, they have the potential to evoke a dreamlike state, suggesting a world just beyond our reality. This inspires me to craft imaginative narratives about the lives of these individuals in an alternate reality, really bringing out my creative side and giving me a sense of satisfaction.

Dániel Kiss

Kiss's drawings inspire his creations, marked by continuity, self-reversion, and nods to the infinite. He sticks to using a single material in his works, adapting to its properties without adhesives or joinery. His pieces draw inspiration from optical phenomena, showcasing ever-changing forms that lead to endless possibilities.

His sculptures featured in the current exhibition, titled "Alpha” and “Omega" are crafted from Brazil nut trees. Meticulously carved and shaped, these art pieces seamlessly complement any space they inhabit, introducing a calm ambiance infused with the essence of nature. Upon my initial encounter with these works, I was struck by the impression that they surpassed human craftsmanship—a misconception that was quickly dismissed. Elevated on sturdy pedestals, they command attention with their imposing presence, yet paradoxically radiate a delicate beauty that instills a sense of caution, making one hesitant to touch these fragile masterpieces.

Tamás Dobos

At the core of his artistic vision is the portrayal of multiple layers of time simultaneously, achieved through characters lacking conventional era-specific traits. These characters serve as symbols of timelessness. Within his universe, time doesn't adhere to a linear structure or flow like a river; rather, it is ever-present. This unique approach to time allows room for imagination, inviting recipients to embark on journeys of individual perceptions and beliefs.

His artworks utilize a wet plate technique, allowing him to craft an illusion of the past. Yet, upon closer inspection, viewers might sense a certain confusion, as they can experience the presence of the present and future as well. A central theme in his work revolves around twins, not only as distinctive biological occurrences but also as symbols of transcendence. In the process of reworking, he intentionally allows for accidental elements, steering away from making explicit statements. Instead, the aim is to engage the viewer and encourage shared contemplation.

Upon initial observation of his works, I experienced a sense of unease as I struggled to place them within a specific timeframe. This fundamental vagueness is exactly what makes them intriguing and distinctive. There's a feeling of uncertainty regarding the identity of the subjects—whether they are the same person mirrored multiple times or actual twins reflected.

His latest catalog, titled "W," has recently been released, showcasing his biography and artistic works. Adding to the surprise, he also has a background as a cinematographer, contributing to several award-winning movies, including one that earned a Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize.

György Jovián

Jovián György identifies his life's purpose in the realm of visual arts, faithful to his belief in the power of painting. In recent times, he has chosen to work exclusively with oil paint on canvas. He doesn't exclude the use of a camera in creating his works; typically photographing his subjects and then "enlarging" them onto the canvas to create monumental compositions. While he does not rule out the use of other materials (such as sand, fabric scraps, and wall paint), especially in his earlier periods, these are now mere tools toward the ultimate goal of creating a painting.

"There are eras that lasted longer than the previous ones or those parallel to them. Incidentally, the theme of so-called 'demolition' is the most defining. I named it that way, but essentially, towards the end of the 2000s, I noticed that worldwide, not just in Budapest but everywhere, they were tearing down the buildings that were constructed when I was a child. Barracks, factory buildings, all sorts. They demolish them and build new ones in their place. Observing these demolition sites, these fields of ruins, I noticed that they are immensely picturesque. They contain a lot of details, are colorful, and can be composed; you can capture a detail, and enlarge it, thus altering its meaning. That's when I started to engage with this, and practically, I've been doing this ever since."

Featured in this exhibition are pieces titled "Study for Demolition" and "Study for War." While these works may not be recent and were not created to comment on current wars or political situations, they effectively convey the timeless and universal nature of these issues persisting throughout history. His artworks, known for their extreme photorealism, especially shine in these two pieces, blurring the lines to the extent that distinguishing between a photograph and a painting becomes challenging. The ability to create such hyper-realistic pieces both fascinates and unnerves me, highlighting how easily one can be deceived by their own eyes.

Márton Romvári

In his artistic creations, the natural forms of both the micro and macro worlds take on a distinctive presence, appearing as simplified essences. The interplay of elements, whether in the process of merging or separating, is meticulously layered onto interacting planes, contributing to the creation of a dynamic spatial quality within the artwork. Originating from a shared source, his artistic domain extends to include dimensions, reliefs, objects, sculptures, and kinetic works. This diverse array of artistic expressions collectively forms a cohesive and multifaceted world within his body of work.

His exhibited works are purposefully designed to play tricks on your eyes and mind, compelling you to perceive them from new and unconventional perspectives. An intriguing concept within his creations involves breaking down the artwork into separate elements, assessing each one individually, and then reassembling them to form a cohesive image. It's truly mind-blowing to witness how our perceptions of an artwork can transform by metaphorically disassembling and reconstructing it. This approach not only engages viewers interactively but also provides a fun way to introduce younger generations to contemporary art, demonstrating that there's often more to a piece than meets the eye initially.

One notable piece, titled "Cloud," appears to possess dynamic movement and vibrations on the canvas, almost as if it's attempting to break free from its confined space and conquer the world. His body of work encompasses both two- and three-dimensional shapes, featuring a captivating interplay of colors and protruding forms.

Péter Borkovics

Initially drawn to the fluidity of glass, the artist's creations undergo a meticulous journey of machines, techniques, and professional manipulations, resulting in geometric, striped blocks that reveal chaotic interiors. The vibrant glass sheets, melted to form inner colors and shapes, symbolize the harmony of nature and the eternal cycle of time. The continuous, parallel stripes represent the timeless connection between human existence and the universe. The central frame signifies human presence and precise thought, while the rotation of shapes mirrors the ever-changing nature of civilization and thought.

Including him in the exhibition felt almost obligatory, given that his works offer a fresh perspective from virtually every angle. It serves as a reminder of how a slight shift in perspective, even just by taking a step to the left, can unveil entirely new worlds before us. The exhibition, in essence, serves as a life lesson, redirecting our focus and encouraging us to see things in a new light. It aims to stimulate our individual viewpoints and ideas. Personally, I find great satisfaction in this exhibition because it carries a pleasant and significant undertone. My hope is that it influences viewers to embrace and enjoy life, encouraging them to explore various perspectives and discover ideas that may have puzzled them before.

I'm thrilled to share the fantastic news that our represented artist participated in the Venice Glass Week 2023, an international festival dedicated to promoting the art of glass-making. The event, held last September, marks a significant accomplishment for us, showcasing our artist's involvement in such a prestigious gathering.

Endre Lukoviczky

Throughout his entire life, he has passionately pursued his artistic endeavors, engaging in both paintings and printed graphics. While his creations bear the influence of Constructivism and Suprematism, their dynamic compositions delve into contemporary themes. Frequently tapping into the image-organizing potential of floating planes, his works reveal a mechanical fascination and convey his metropolitan experiences through the utilization of abstract spaces.

He maintained a high level of activity throughout his lifetime, consistently engaging in the process of creating something new. The exhibition features his works from the "Letter Strings" series, notable for the intriguing fact that they were painted nearly 15 years apart. Observing these pieces, one can be struck by the remarkable shifts in colors, techniques, and styles that unfolded over the years. In contrast to his previously showcased artworks, there's a noticeable shift as he steps back from intricate spatial compositions, venturing into a more straightforward, plainspoken aesthetic. This transition could be viewed as a new chapter in his artistic journey, departing from the complex three-dimensional cityscape paintings to embrace simpler elements and colors in the plain.

I got the pleasure of meeting him and engaging with someone so fascinating who has experienced and seen so much - it was life-changing. I received a fantastic tour of his studio, where he showed me his impressive collection of artworks. Furthermore, he shared his most treasured album, meticulously organized with labeled and dated photo images of each piece he has ever created, complete with additional information about their current whereabouts.

His artworks hold a special fascination for me, reaching a point where it becomes challenging to distinguish whether they were meticulously painted or not. The grandiosity of his pieces never fails to transport me, conjuring images of landscapes from faraway planets or scenes straight out of a captivating science fiction narrative. His adept use of color palettes consistently amazes me, resonating with me on a deeper level, really making his artwork impactful and special to me.

Altogether it is especially difficult to resume the wide range of artists and the variety of their works in just one thought, as the main idea of the exhibition was just his: showcasing very different ways of perception coming from represented artists of the Faur Zsófi Gallery.

Author: Kata Szilágyi