Czobel Béla, Párizsi Utca 

Bela Czobel's "Párizsi Utca" is rendered in charcoal, a humble material capable of striking expressiveness. The smudged lines and stark contrasts capture the gritty essence of a Parisian street. Charcoal, made by charring wood, has been used for centuries due to its accessibility and ability to create a range of tones and textures. Here, Czobel uses it to full effect, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that enlivens the scene. Czobel's marks imbue the drawing with a sense of immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment. Charcoal's impermanence mirrors the transient nature of urban life. The artist’s process of layering and erasing is visible, revealing a dialogue between creation and destruction, mirroring the constant evolution of the city itself. By elevating this seemingly simple medium, Czobel challenges the hierarchy between traditional and contemporary art, demonstrating the power of materiality and process in conveying social and emotional depth.