Opening of the 1956 Then & Now show

The exhibition opening as seen on the attached photos was a huge success, with more than 160 people attending. I had an interview on SBS Radio and was also interviewed from overseas by the Hungarian Duna television showing some of the exhibited artworks.

Thank you all for coming and for your support.

1956 Then & Now (There & Here)

Solo exhibition

The 1956 Hungarian Revolution, was a widespread revolt against Soviet communist influence and control in Hungary. The revolt was brutally suppressed by Soviet troops. About 25-50,000 Hungarians and 7,000 Soviet troops were killed, thousands more were wounded, and nearly a quarter million left the country as refugees. More than 14,000 Hungarians arrived in Australia.

Through this special series, the exhibition investigates the constant duality of the Then (1956) & Now (2009), and There (Hungary) & Here (Australia). On one hand, it is about the survivors and active participants' vivid memories of the events remembered in the Australian backdrop. On the other hand, it is the reaction of their children and grandchildren born in Australia after the revolution. The dream-like, surreal images filled with symbolism tell us about the young Australian generation's understanding and unique reaction to that distant historic event, experienced only through personal stories, memorabilia and local commemoration festivities. Obviously there are generational differences in how the Revolution is remembered, but there is one common theme, - the outmost respect for the Hungarian Freedom Fighters and for their ultimate sacrifice in an attempt to bring democracy and self determination to the Hungarian nation.

The historical and political significance of the Hungarian revolution of 1956 is still actively debated; as expressed in one of the paintings, with many 'blank pages' yet to be written.

"Those Hungarian students and workers and women and fighting children have done more to close the future of Communism than armies of diplomats. They have exposed the brutal hypocrisy of Communism… they have torn its mask off.… We owe them pride and praise. For their defeat has been itself a triumph."
Archibald MacLeish

Exhibition opening night
23 October 2009 - 8 pm

Venue: Bocskai Center
121-123 St Georges Road
North Fitzroy Victoria 3068 Australia

Open: 23 October - 6 November

Preview at www.jobbagy.info/1956

Exhibiting in Sydney and Perth at The Clothespeg Project

I am participating with a few ink drawings in The Clothespeg Project (v3).

Launched in Perth in late 2007, The Clothespeg Project has establishing itself as the city's premier open-submission art show. For edition three, the project goes national: with a launch at the National Grid in Sydney, to be followed by one at The Slaughterblouse in Perth.

The National Grid Gallery, Sydney September 11 - 22 2009
The Slaughterblouse, Perth October 9 - 23 2009

Enjoy.

Round 1 Winners - Searching for the Surreal Image

National Gallery of Victoria

My painting titled, "First step" is one of the three entries out of 300 in the Open category awarded with a Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire Award.
You can see the painting here: http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/surrealproject/submissions/214/individual

At the exhibition you can browse through the entries of the Round 2 and vote for your preferred work.

Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire
13 June – 4 October 09
Open daily 10am – 5pm and until 9pm Wednesdays

 

 

The Land

Here is the finished painting.

 

 

Round 2 - Searching for the Surreal Image

NGV Photography Project

Images of another two paintings are now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria website and inside the gallery.

 

For more information please visit: 
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/surrealproject/submissions/214/
and

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/surrealproject/submissions/215/

 

Salvador Dali, Liquid Desire exhibition
13 June – 4 October 09
Open daily 10am – 5pm and until 9pm Wednesdays

 

 

 

 

 

Alex

National Gallery of Victoria - Searching for the Surreal Image

National Gallery of Victoria -  Photography Project
Website: http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/surrealproject/

A photo of one of my surrealist paintings was accepted and it is showing on the NGV website.
To go directly to the image click here: http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/surrealproject/submissions/62/

From the  NGV website:
"Be inspired by Salvador Dali and the Surrealists. Create your own surreal photograph and share it with us!
We are looking for original photographic images, made by you, which explore and celebrate the legacy of Salvador Dali and other surrealist artists. Searching for the Surreal Image is an open photography project, running throughout the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Exhibition 'Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire'.
What is a Surreal Image?
The Surrealists used dream-like images and strange combinations to represent free unconscious thought."