Folk artists

Julia Dudás was born in Galgamácsa, a small village, which preserved its folk customs and traditions. Dudás was an extremely keen observer of local customs, festivities, and rituals, faithfully recording them in their historical context. The majority of her works are representations of events, which took place in everyday life of Galgamácsa. Although she never received formal training, the authenticity of Dudás’s art is self-evident. Though not a prolific artist, Dudás was quickly recognized as a major Hungarian folk (primitive) painter, and her works were exhibited and collected. They can be found in several museums and private collections.

Nyergesi is one of the few Hungarian folk-artist who received professional training. For several years (1910-14) Nyergesi served as garzone (brush cleaner) in Károly Kernstok’s studio, where he acquired his firm drawing technique. Although he had some early success, especially with is sculpture in 1934, he remained a farm hand and factory worker until 1960. Nyergesi’s unique qualities have been recognized only in the last few decades. His retrospective exhibition was held at the Esztergom Galeria, in Esztergom, Hungary, in 1980. Nyergesi’s deep and intimate knowledge of Hungarian village life and his uncompromising, crisp style have established him as a major Hungarian folk artist. He has international reputation and his art is well represented in public as well as in private collection.

Jolán Oláh was born in Salgotarján as one of ten children. She never went to school, never learned to read and write, because she had to take care of her brothers and sisters. As a small child she made sculptures of clay, then started to draw. Now she likes to paint portraits in oil. Colors intrigue her.