The Munkácsy exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts puts the spotlight back on one of the most important Hungarian painters of the 19th century, whose dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, expressive brushwork and monumental compositions continue to inspire contemporary artists. This is particularly true of the contemporary painter László Gulyás, who consciously assumes the influence of Munkácsy’s pictorial world in his art and conveys this style in the present day through contemporary paintings.
In László Gulyás’s painting, the tones, dramatic lighting and emotional portrayal typical of Munkácsy appear in a contemporary form. The artist’s choice of subject matter also reveals parallels: he explores the deeper layers of human fate, the emotions of the soul, while his works embody a modern interpretation of the classical painterly tradition. It is rare among contemporary paintings to find an artist so consciously linked to the great masters, yet creating an independent, recognisable visual world.
The VándorfényGallery, a committed supporter of contemporary art, has long paid special attention to the work of László Gulyás. The painter, who celebrates his 65th birthday in the autumn, is preparing a solo exhibition at the Vándorfény Gallery. The event is an excellent opportunity for the public to discover how Munkácsy’s influence lives on in contemporary painting and how László Gulyás has transformed this tradition into his own visual world.
Contemporary art is constantly looking for new ways forward, but the legacy of the great masters will always remain. Both the Munkácsy exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts and the upcoming exhibition of László Gulyás prove that painting is a timeless genre that can draw on the past to create something lasting in the present. Among the contemporary paintings in the Vándorfény Gallery, László Gulyás’ works occupy a special place, as they bear both the classical tradition and the fresh vision of contemporary painting. Those who love the expressive world of Munkácsy should also discover the works of László Gulyás, which represent a special slice of contemporary art.
