The paintings of Tibor Nagy are a testament to his unwavering determination to capture a vision shaped by his life in Slovakia, blending the tangible with the abstract. Since he began working with oils, Tibor has explored the mysterious terrain between what can be measured by the physical senses and what can only be perceived emotionally. His paintings serve as personal confessions, with a strong emphasis on emotional context.
Early in his artistic journey, Tibor’s style was dominated by a combination of realism and abstraction. By the 1980s, he leaned more toward surrealism, continually experimenting with techniques to discover his unique form of expression.
In 2005, Tibor painted his first plein air piece, marking his initial foray into landscape and oil painting. He immediately recognized the potential in this challenging yet expressive style. The “Alla Prima” approach, with its directness and expressiveness, appealed to him despite its difficulty, as it demands an uncompromising artist.
WHY LANDSCAPES ARE SPECIAL TO ME
When I observe the land, the first thing that strikes me is the feeling or mood it evokes. This initial sensation is what captivates me the most. I strive to capture the vitality and rich diversity of the scenery, focusing on the emotional context, which is crucial for me. Incorporating this emotional depth into a landscape painting is not easy. It requires courage and a willingness to venture into unknown territory, balancing control and spontaneity.
Rather than relying solely on accumulated knowledge, I stay open to surprises. It's like being on the edge; sometimes I fall, but other times, new and unexpected possibilities for expression and technique emerge. This constant edge is where I find improvement. When thinking stops and spontaneity takes over, true art is created.
Experience has taught me to anticipate potential problems before starting a piece, to trust my intuition during the painting process, and to have the courage to leave the safe yet mundane path. Staying alive in my work is what matters most to me.
I also strive to remain open to new approaches and innovative methods, always aiming to advance beyond my current level. This openness allows new creative processes to propel me forward.