ABA-NOVÁK VILMOS

(BUDAPEST, 1894 – 1941, BUDAPEST)
Having finished the Budapest Academy of Fine Arts, he apprenticed with Adolf Fényes in the Szolnok colony for a year in 1913. In the summer of 1921 and 1923 he visited Nagybánya and in 1928-1930 he was on scholarship by the Hungarian Academy of Rome.
His painting of vigorous forms based on a keen observation of reality gained new impetus from Neo-Classicist spirit of Novocento. As the leading figure of the Roman School he switched over to tempera and produced historical and ecclesiastic mural paintings. While his frescos testify to his bent for monumentality and stylisation, his canvases of everyday topics display perceptive characterization, sometimes verging on caricature.
His choice of themes was influenced by his attraction both to rural scenes and to the evolving folklore of modern urban life with its jazz bands, circus scenes and waitresses.
He used the powerful contrast of pure colours as well as forms built of massive blocks and steep edges to express his experiences.
From 1939 on he taught at the Budapest Academy of Fine Arts. In 1940 he won a grand prix at the Venice Biennale.

ABA-NOVÁK, VILMOS (BUDAPEST, 1894 – 1941, BUDAPEST)
CIRCUS
signed lower right “Aba Novák”
tempera on panel
size 35 x 45 cm
FOR SALE