Joseph Domjan: Hungarian Woodprint Artist of Tuxedo Park

Marlea Liguori recently graduated from SUNY New Paltz and loves art, music and writing.  She’s going to be checking out local art galleries and events throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley, and writing about them here at ArtSpace.  She’s also going to be profiling well known artists, past and present, that have lived or worked in Orange County.  Please welcome Marlea and look for her at your next opening…

World renowned woodcutter, Jozsef Domján, may have international recognition; however, his name is lesser known to his fellow Orange County residents. Born in Budapest in 1907, he had a humble upbringing and a passion for the arts. Shortly after the Hungarian Revolution broke out in 1956, Domján was invited to showcase his work in New York; given both the circumstances and opportunities, he readily accepted. Eventually, with his wife and children, he settled in Tuxedo Park. Here, he established the Domján Studio and where lived until his passing in 1992.

In his early years, and during the Great Depression, Domján toured Europe with the desire to be engulfed by art. Previously, much of his time had been consumed with the work of both an engine fitter and foundry worker. After testing the waters of over 20 different professions, he discovered his passion in the arts. Later, during his European tour, he earned his way by selling a variety of works including both paintings and sketches. Post-depression, he returned to Hungry where he studied seven years at the Budapest Academy of Arts.

Having spent an earlier portion of his life as a painter, Domján created his first woodcut in 1947 by using oil paint as opposed to printer’s ink. The result was stunning. This technique, becoming his signature style, would later set him apart from others within the trade. To create his pieces, Domján applied rich color, layer by layer, and lays claim to having “succeeded in bringing to the world something that had not existed before.” Ultimately, each print became three dimensional and gave the appearance of a painting. His technique has gained him international merit as well as the honor of receiving China’s “Master of the Color Wooodcut” award, a recognition given only once every century.

The inspiration behind many of Domján’s woodcuts, coupled with his love of nature, is derived from Hungary’s brilliant folklore. The intricacy of his design is certainly his prominent element; however, their subtle coloring and abstract images contribute to his unique style. 

For the 59th Anniversary of composer Béla Bartók’s opera, Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, Domján used the opera’s profound imagery to create a series of woodcuts. The work included an ominous castle, coiled snakes, smirking masks, elusive zodiac symbols, and the story’s forbidden key. In doing so, Domján was able to weave traditional folklore components into a fantastic piece of modernized art.

His work is not only expressive of Hungarian folklore but is also heavily influenced by his European travels. Domján, through his woodcuts, has blended elements of nature, history, folk art and legends with a variety of cultural experiences. Within these elements Domján has infused his unique passion and created pieces which will remain timeless.

Domján is now associated with five hundred exhibitions and 130 museums on four continents, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Tate in London and Mingei International. All of these facilities house pieces of his work while a museum in Sárospatak, Hungary bears his name.

Through his extraordinary art, fantastic colors and profuse texture, Jozsef Domján has captured a Hungarian essence in such a way that it is universally appreciated.

Joseph’s wife and tireless partner, Evelyn, was not only a major contributor to his work, but also a talented artist in her own right.  After his death, Evelyn continued to live in Tuxedo Park and managed his collection and legacy.  Evelyn passed away 12 July 2009.

Tags: Artist Interviews, Hungarian, Printing, Tuxedo Park, Woodcuts

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 at 09:50 and is filed under Artist Interviews, For Art Lovers, Visual Arts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.