"Students in the communal room" Painting

Statement
My work explores the deep connection between humans and nature, rooted in my long-standing interest in folk traditions and their environmental wisdom. I am inspired by how traditional cultures understood nature as a sacred force connected to God, the universe, and spiritual well-being. Folk heritage carries a deep respect for life and all living beings, while offering protection, identity, and a sense of belonging within the community.

My interest in folk tradition goes beyond visual elements: it represents a way of thinking that emphasizes harmony with nature, responsibility, and continuity between generations. Through expressive human figures, my paintings unfold in an illustrative and powerful style, reflecting the relationship between people, their environment, and cultural memory. Folk costumes appear as symbolic elements in my work, alongside visual influences from the 1970s and 1980s, which strongly shape my artistic language.

My name is Eszter Szabó. I was born in 1979 and completed my studies as a decorative painter at the B.D. Art School in 1997. After graduating, I worked in my profession for several years, including the restoration of frescoes and historic walls in some of the largest archives in Hungary, collaborating with a highly respected restoration company.