Step into the mesmerising world of Mano, a Hungarian painter whose artistic journey intertwines with a deep love for nature and a fascination with the human experience. Through the strokes of her brush, Mano captures the essence of our Earth’s breathtaking landscapes and the diverse tapestry of humanity that inhabits it.
Born from a passion for exploration and inspired by encounters with fascinating people and places around the globe, Mano’s artwork is a testament to the beauty and wonder of our world. From the tranquil shores of Lake Balaton to the bustling streets of Vienna and Rome, her paintings transport viewers to captivating scenes filled with light, colour and emotion.
Mano’s art speaks to the soul, inviting us to see the world through her eyes and discover the magic that lies within…
Your journey as an artist has taken you across the globe, from Hungary to Sweden, Israel, Italy, and beyond. How have these diverse cultural experiences influenced your artistic style and subject matter?
Art has always played a significant role in my life. Even in my childhood, I loved to draw, and later to paint. In my adult life, both my work and my husband’s have brought us to different countries, leading us to travel extensively with our family. Discovering new landscapes, meeting foreign people, and experiencing different cultures have been incredibly exciting for me. For an artist, this is more than just a challenge; it’s a rich tapestry of inspiration.
These significant life experiences and cultural encounters have profoundly influenced me. I’ve endeavoured to capture the beauty of these varied experiences in my artworks. One memorable incident occurred when the Mayor of Sydney visited one of my solo exhibitions in Budapest. After viewing a painting depicting a Scandinavian port with its typical red houses, he exclaimed, “Oh, now I can almost smell the fresh Swedish air!” It was then that I resolved to evoke such sensory experiences in my audience through my paintings.
Your artworks are featured in prestigious international art books and have been exhibited in various countries. Could you share with us how these opportunities came about and what they mean to you as an artist?
My artistic journey began with my first solo exhibition during the prestigious Budapest Spring Festival in 1987. The event attracted notable public figures, including the second American astronaut to walk on the Moon. Following this success, I received an invitation from the Royal Academy of Arts in London to participate in a group exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This recognition was a significant milestone in my artistic career. Subsequently, I have been fortunate to exhibit in renowned art capitals such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tokyo, as well as numerous cities in Italy and Hungary. Additionally, my artworks have been featured in esteemed art books published internationally. These opportunities not only bring me immense joy and pride but also inspire me to continue creating. They serve as validation of my artistic endeavours and provide me with the motivation to explore new horizons.
Nature seems to play a significant role in your artwork, from capturing the lights dancing on water surfaces to admiring the beauty of landscapes. What draws you to portray nature in your paintings, and how do you hope to convey its essence to your audience?
The natural world is a source of endless wonder for me. Each season brings its own unique beauty, from the freshness of spring to the scorching heat of summer and the vibrant hues of autumn. I am captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors and the myriad scents that accompany these seasons. Through my paintings, I seek to preserve and share this beauty with future generations.
Whether it’s the gentle ripples of water or the majestic vistas of landscapes, I aim to capture the essence of nature in its purest form.
As a painter who focuses on capturing the beauty of nature and interesting people, how do you approach the challenge of translating these experiences onto canvas? Could you walk us through your creative process?
I approach each painting with a sense of openness and receptivity to the world around me. When a particular moment or scene captivates my attention, I feel a deep urge to translate it onto canvas. I immerse myself in the image, allowing it to take shape within me before I begin to paint. While some artists may prefer to pre-draw their compositions, I find that my creativity flows most freely when I paint spontaneously, allowing the brush to move intuitively across the canvas.
By channeling my emotions and impressions onto the canvas, I strive to create artworks that resonate with both myself and my audience.
Your paintings often depict special moments in history or contemporary life. What inspires you to explore these themes, and how do you infuse them with your unique artistic perspective?
From a young age, I have been deeply influenced by the works of historical painters such as Gyula Benczur. The monumental paintings depicting significant events from history left a lasting impression on me. In my own artistic journey, I am drawn to themes that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience.
Whether it’s a historical event or a contemporary scene, I feel compelled to capture the essence of the moment. These scenes are often inspired by everyday life, reflecting the diversity and complexity of human existence. By infusing these themes with my unique artistic perspective, I hope to offer viewers a fresh interpretation of familiar subjects, prompting them to see the world through new eyes.
With numerous solo and group exhibitions under your belt, including shows in major art capitals like New York, Rome, and Vienna, what have been some of the highlights of your exhibition journey so far?
Exhibiting my artworks in prestigious locations around the world has been a deeply fulfilling experience. It has allowed me to share my art with a diverse audience and connect with fellow art enthusiasts from different cultures and backgrounds. One of the highlights of my exhibition journey has been the opportunity to engage with local communities and immerse myself in the vibrant art scenes of cities like New York, Rome, and Vienna. The exposure gained from these exhibitions has opened doors of recognition within the art world and provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth and collaboration.
You’ve received numerous prestigious international awards throughout your career. How do these accolades impact your artistic journey, and do they influence the direction of your work in any way?
Receiving prestigious international awards has been a tremendous honour and validation of my artistic endeavours. These accolades serve as a source of motivation, inspiring me to continually push the boundaries of my creativity. Moreover, they enhance my visibility within the art community, attracting the attention of galleries, collectors, and curators from around the world. While awards do not dictate the direction of my work, they reaffirm my commitment to artistic excellence and encourage me to explore new avenues of expression.
Your artworks have been featured in publications like Vanity Fair Magazine, exposing your work to a wider audience. How do you navigate the intersection between traditional gallery exhibitions and exposure through mainstream media?
I view traditional gallery exhibitions and exposure through mainstream media as complementary avenues for sharing my artwork with the world. Gallery exhibitions provide a curated environment for viewers to engage with my art on a personal level, while mainstream media platforms offer a broader reach and accessibility. By leveraging both channels, I am able to connect with diverse audiences and spark meaningful conversations about art and culture. Whether it’s through a gallery exhibition or a feature in a magazine like Vanity Fair, my goal remains the same: to inspire and engage viewers with my artistic vision.
Collaboration seems to be a recurring theme in your artistic career, from participating in group shows to working with galleries and publishers. Can you tell us about some memorable collaborations that have shaped your journey as an artist?
Collaboration has been instrumental in shaping my artistic journey, enriching my experience as an artist and expanding the reach of my work. One particularly memorable collaboration was my partnership with the Italian Foundation Effetto Arte, which provided me with invaluable opportunities to exhibit my art internationally. I have also had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed curators, galleries, and publishers from around the world, each contributing to my growth and development as an artist. These collaborations have not only expanded my artistic horizons but also deepened my connections within the global art community.
Your paintings often capture the essence of “interesting people.” Could you share some stories behind the individuals you’ve portrayed in your artwork and what draws you to depict them?
In my paintings, I strive to capture the essence of human experience, celebrating the diversity and complexity of individuals from all walks of life. One of my favourite artists, Salvador Dali, inspired me to explore the theme of human equality in my artwork “We are equal.” In this painting, I incorporated Dali’s portrait among various characters to convey the message that our true worth lies not in our outward appearance but in our inner values. I am also drawn to the expressive power of the human eye, which serves as a mirror of the soul. Whether it’s a striking gaze or a subtle expression, I seek to capture the unique qualities that make each individual captivating.
Your artworks span a wide range of themes and subjects, from historical figures to contemporary scenes. How do you maintain a cohesive artistic voice while exploring such diverse subject matter?
Drawing inspiration from the works of historical painters has provided me with a rich artistic tradition to connect with while exploring diverse subject matter. By infusing my paintings with my unique perspective and creative vision, I strive to maintain a cohesive artistic voice that resonates across different themes and subjects. Whether I’m depicting a historical event or a contemporary scene, my goal is to create artworks that reflect my personal interpretation of the world around me. In this way, I aim to bridge the gap between past and present, offering viewers a glimpse into both history and contemporary life through my art.
Travel seems to be a constant source of inspiration for you. How do you balance the excitement of exploring new places with the discipline required to focus on your artistic practice?
Traveling has always been a source of inspiration and enrichment for me, allowing me to discover new landscapes, cultures, and artistic influences. While the excitement of exploration can be exhilarating, I also recognise the importance of maintaining discipline in my artistic practice. By finding a balance between travel and focused studio time, I am able to channel the energy and inspiration gained from my experiences into my artwork. Whether I’m sketching on location or reflecting on my travels in the studio, each new adventure contributes to my growth as an artist.
Your paintings often evoke a sense of emotion and connection with the viewer. How do you approach the challenge of creating artworks that resonate with people on a deeper level?
I approach each painting with the intention of capturing the essence of a moment or emotion that resonates with me personally. By channeling my own experiences and emotions onto the canvas, I strive to create artworks that speak to universal themes and evoke a sense of connection with the viewer. Whether it’s a tranquil landscape or a poignant portrait, my goal is to elicit an emotional response that transcends language and cultural barriers. Through color, composition, and expression, I aim to create artworks that invite viewers to reflect, empathise, and find meaning in their own lives.
As an artist who has exhibited internationally, how do you perceive the global art scene evolving, and what role do you see yourself playing in its development?
The global art scene is constantly evolving, driven by shifting cultural trends, technological advancements, and social dynamics. As an artist who has exhibited internationally, I see myself playing a role in shaping this evolution through my creative vision and artistic expression. By engaging with diverse audiences and participating in global conversations about art and culture, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic art world. Whether through exhibitions, collaborations, or community outreach, I aim to foster connections and inspire positive change through my artwork.
Your paintings have been described as capturing “the best moments” of nature and human experience. Could you share with us some of the most memorable moments that you’ve depicted in your artwork?
There have been many memorable moments that I’ve captured in my artwork, each reflecting the beauty and complexity of the natural world and human experience. One such moment occurred during an evening jog with my husband, where the play of light on the surrounding trees and lamp posts inspired me to paint the scene.
Another memorable experience was witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Lake Balaton, its shimmering waters reflecting the towers of Tihany Abbey. I’ve also been deeply moved by encounters with people from different cultures, such as a young Ayamara girl and her sister boating on Lake Titicaca in Peru. These moments of connection and wonder continue to inspire me in my artistic journey.
Art has the power to evoke change and provoke thought. How do you hope your paintings contribute to conversations surrounding environmental preservation and the human experience?
Art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, making it a potent tool for raising awareness and inspiring positive change. Through my paintings, I hope to highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world, prompting viewers to reflect on the importance of environmental preservation. Whether it’s a majestic landscape or a poignant portrayal of human connection, my goal is to evoke empathy and provoke thought about our relationship with the planet and each other.
By sparking conversations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around us, I believe art can play a vital role in promoting environmental stewardship and social consciousness.
Your artist name, Mano, carries significance in your artistic identity. What inspired this choice, and how does it reflect your personal connection to your artwork?
The choice of my artist name, Mano, was inspired by my daughter’s suggestion when she was a young teenager. Drawing parallels to renowned artists like Monet and Manet, she proposed the name as a way to make my artwork more familiar and intimate. Since then, I have signed my paintings with this name, which has become an integral part of my artistic identity. It reflects my personal connection to my artwork and serves as a reminder of the support and encouragement of my loved ones in my artistic journey.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your artistic career, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind through your paintings?
In the future, I aspire to continue creating art that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the richness of human experience. My goal is to inspire empathy, reflection, and positive change through my paintings, leaving behind a legacy of love and appreciation for nature and humanity. Whether my artwork is displayed in prestigious museums or cherished in private collections, I hope it will continue to resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level, prompting them to see the world with greater clarity and compassion.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
As someone who has had the privilege of traveling to many beautiful destinations, I still have a few places on my bucket list that I hope to visit someday. One destination that holds particular allure for me is Bora Bora, with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. I am also drawn to the rugged beauty of Greenland, with its majestic glaciers and breathtaking landscapes. Exploring these remote and awe-inspiring destinations would be a dream come true for me.
What’s your go-to quote when you are lacking motivation?
When I am lacking motivation, I often turn to literature, film, or theatre for inspiration. Stories have a unique power to ignite the imagination and spark creativity. Whether it’s the world of Griet and Vermeer in “Girl with a Pearl Earring” or the tragic tale of Anna Karenina, I find that immersing myself in the rich tapestry of human experience can rekindle my passion for art and storytelling.
Where can people follow you and find out more?
You can learn more about my artwork and stay updated on my latest exhibitions and projects by visiting my website at artnow0.webnode.com. I invite you to explore my portfolio and discover the stories behind my paintings.
