Painting

The works in the Wstęgi series, painted by Janos Fajó with utmost attention to detail, in pure, vibrant colors, evoke associations with the trends of optical art, minimalism and new geometry. The artist's original style is based on the tradition of constructivism and geometric abstraction, while constituting his own personal artistic language, using a rich palette of colours and streamlined forms. His method of choice was simplification – reduction of shapes observed in nature to geometric forms and their variables. The form was the basic element of his compositions. Fajó studied painting at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in 1956-1961. From the beginning of his creative path, he wanted to be independent from the socialist realism style and thus he engaged in various artistic initiatives. In the 1960s, screen printing became increasingly popular in art – despite being invented many years earlier, it was rediscovered in the 20th century by artists such as Andy Warchol and Roy Lichtenstein. Eventually, the technique also found its way to Hungary, where it democratised art. Fajó was fascinated by this new method, which afforded new creative possibilities. Screen printing became not only a means of experimentation, but also a form of resistance, a tool to communicate with other artists locally and internationally. In 1973 Fajó and a group of friends founded the legendary Budapest Studio (Pesti Műhely), a graphic design studio, publishing house, and co-operative of neo-constructivists. He was involved in art promotion, as well as exhibitions and educational activities. In addition to graphics and painting, he was also a sculptor, graphic and industrial designer, as well as an art scholar. He is one of the most important contemporary Hungarian artists of the 20th century.

Marlena Chybowska-Butler