Still Life 1930

Kmetty János made this still life painting with what looks like oil paint, and a heck of a lot of it! The colours are so restrained, which makes the oranges pop, like a party. The materiality is the message here; look how he's used the brushstrokes to define the shapes, but also to give the painting this tangible, thick surface. The handling of the paint isn't trying to hide anything; it's like he wants you to see the effort, the process, the struggle, and the joy of making something from nothing. The single green apple, sitting amongst all the oranges, feels so unexpected, like a little mistake that turned out beautifully. I'm also drawn to the teacup, so delicate and fragile against the boldness of the painting. It feels like János is having a conversation with Cezanne, but with a more down-to-earth, Hungarian accent. It's a reminder that art doesn't have to be slick or polished; it just needs to be real.