László Szlávics (born August 11, 1959) is a
Hungarian sculptor and
medallic artist. He publishes his works under the names (
Hungarian: ifj. Szlávics László, or Szlávics László, ifj.) László, ifj. Szlávics or Laszlo Szlavics Jr.
László Szlávics jr. has set several new norms in Hungarian medallic art. It was presumably not his express aim, but he was merely following the dictates of his innovative mind to do something new not yet found in the trade. He is heading in this direction, with the sure – and literally tangible – conviction that at the extremes, on the limits of the art form there is still a lot to be searched – and found out.
Between 1973 and 1977 he attended the Arts & Crafts Secondary School in
Budapest. After obtaining his Secondary School Leaving Certificate his training was supervised by his father also László Szlávics a
goldsmith and sculptor and the sculptor
Agamemnon Makris. Since 1973 he has lived and worked in the Százados artist’ colony in Budapest. Since 1995 he has often designed memorial coins for the
National Bank of Hungary.
Works
Szlávics is primarily a medalist. His works include every kind of medal, from those displaying the craftsmanship of the traditional minter to such as tend towards small sculptures. The dual commitment tend towards can be appreciated in all his works.
From the middle of the 1970s his sculptures,
reliefs and
medals have been characterized by realism and the precision of their craftsmanship. In the 1980s he was noted for handmade medals engraved in a steel negative, a technique reminiscent of ancient coinage. (Birds, Africa,[2]Count
István Széchenyi,[3]Hungarian generals executed at Arad in 1849[4] stb.). Cast
bronze works show the influence of Cubism. Among them, the most notable of the first half of the 1990s are a series of 20 medals inspired by Vincent van Gogh[5] works.
In the second half of the 1990s, he made use of natural materials (
bone,
feathers,
seashells &c.,). These are original in style, and are on the fringe of the medal-genre (Cultic proto-money[6]). As a counterpoint to this, he produced several series of medals using an industrial, where time – is measured by movements within the object – visible mode. (mechanical medals[7]). The medals are activated by the active contribution of the public.
Since the start of the 21st century, he has tried to renew the medal arts, by searching for the limits. In 2006, Hungarian Medalists awarded him – the first – Ligeti Erika Prize. In 2007, he was awarded the
Béni Ferenczy Prize, grand prix of the 16th National Biennial of Medal Art. Also in that year, he was among the two selected artists at the Art Medal World Congress FIDEM XXX (
Colorado Springs, USA). In his small sculptures, he often used objets trouvés given new functions. (In memoriam
Man Ray,[8] An hour with Salvador Dalí ,[9]Hotline[10]). This Interactive mobile sculptures are activated by the public.[11]
Since 2008, he has produced many wooden small sculptures. Many of them are small sculptures, in the traditional sense, which, in a way, remind of houses and ruins. Large clock sculptures are related to the aforementioned both formally and technically. They are clearly contemporary works, of art, incorporating conventional devices such as the pendulum or spring mechanism, carrying out the functions of a clock. Every hour, and half hour the mark the time by striking the soundbar.
Exhibitions (selection)
Group shows
Since 1975 his works have been exhibited in 15 countries. The most important are:
1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 2005 National Biennial of Small Plastic,
Pécs, Hungary
Since 1983 every National Biennial of Medal Art,
Sopron, Hungary
2012 – "Síkplasztikáim", Symbol Art Gallery,[16] 21 – 28 February 2012. Budapest, Hungary
2015 – "Za hranicami medailérstva...", NBS Múzeum Mincí a Medalí, Kremnica, Slovakia.
Awards & Recognitions (selection)
The most important national or international awards:
1993 – Faces and Fates National Portrait Biennale,
Budapest, Hungary, Golden Diploma, (Main Prize)
1996 – 9th Cloisonne Jewelry Contest Tokyo, Japan, Encouragement Prize
1996 – Head or Tails, Art medal exhibition, Budapest, Hungary, Grand Prix
1997 – 11th National Biennial of Medal Art,
Sopron, Hungary, Civitas Fidelissima-prize (Prize of the Municipal City Government of Sopron, Silver Medals)
2000 – 7th National Wood Sculpture Exhibition,Nagyatád, Hungary, Prize of Nagyatád city.
2002 – Masaccio 600 International Art Medal Competition,Ein Vered, Israel, Special Mention
2003 – 14th 11th National Biennial of Medal Art,[17] Sopron, Hungary, Civitas Fidelissima Prize (Prize of the Municipal City Government of Sopron, Silver Medals)
2003 – Jenő Rejtő Memorial Exhibition,
Budapest, The Museum of Literature Petőfi, First prize
2006 – II. Articum International Biennial,
Szolnok, Hungary, Sculpture Prize
2006 – Erika Ligeti prize
2007 – 16th National Biennial of Medal Art,[18] 16th Hungarian Biennale of Medal Art, Sopron, Hungary,
Béni Ferenczy Prize, The Grand Prize awarded by the Municipal Government of Győr-Moson-Sopron County
2015 – 20th National Biennial of Medal Art,[21] 20th Hungarian Biennale of Medal Art, Sopron, Hungary, Béni Ferenczy Prize, The Grand Prize awarded by the Municipal City Government of Sopron
Collections which include work by László Szlávics Jr. (selection)
2001 – Imre Pekár Prize, small sculpture, Chamber of Engineers, Hajdú–Bihar County.
2001 – László Csány Prize, small sculpture, Hungarian Chamber of Engineers
2002 – Pál Hajnik Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2003 – András Hadik Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2004 – Pécsi ókeresztény sírkamrák, 5000-forint, silver, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank
2005 – Lázár Mészáros Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2006 – Gyula Andrássy Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2007 – 550 anniversary of accession of
King Mathias Corvinus, 50.000.–forint, gold, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank
2007 – Bishop Lajos Ordass Prize, small sculpture and memorial plaque, Hungarian Lutheran Church
2007 – Sándor Prónay Prize, small sculpture and memorial plaque, Hungarian Lutheran Church
2008 – John Calvin memorial medals, Hungarian Calvinist Church
2009 – 200th Anniversary of birth of
Ferenc Erkel, 5000-forint, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank. Collector-series "The smallest gold coin of the world".
2010 – 200th Anniversary of birth of
Adam Clark, 5000-forint, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank. Collector-series "The smallest gold coin of the world".
Memberships
1984 – Association of Hungarian Creative Artists[22]
1991 – Association of Hungarian Fine and Applied Artists, Medal Section.[23]
1995 – FIDEM, Fédération Internationale de la Médaille d'Art.
Imre Soós: Van Gogh medals of László, Szlávics Jr. (Művészet és Barátai,
Budapest, 1996 September–October)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: László, Szlávics Jr.[7] (Budapest, 1997. Publisher: Art ’95,
ISBN963-04-8922-8)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: A Cycle of Cultic Proto-Money by László, Szlávics jr. 1996–1997 [8] (Budapest, 1999–2000. Publisher: Art ’95,
ISBN963-03-8257-1)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: A series of ritual proto-money by László Szlávics Jr.
[9](London, The Medal, No. 36 Spring 2000.)
Arnold Nieuwendam: Peningen van ifj. Szlávics László – Een medailleur uit Hongarije[10] (MUNTkoerier 11/2003)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: Time and Space in Recent Works by László Szlávics jr. 1995–2005[11] (Budapest, 2006. Publisher: Art ’95,
ISBN963-06-0007-2)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: Time and space in recent works by László Szlávics Jr.[12] (London, The Medal, No. 50 Spring 2007.)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: A kitapintható idő és tér – ifj. Szlávics László újabb éremmunkáiról (
Budapest, Magyar Iparművészet 2008/2)
Antal Tóth: A Wizard in Hungarian Medallic Art – Exhibition of László Szlávics jr., winner of the Grand Prize of the 16th National Biennial of Medal Art[13] (16th National Biennial of Medal Art, catalog,
Sopron, 2009,
ISBN978-963-06-7202-3)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: László Szlávics Jr., monography
[14], (Budapest, 2012. Publisher: Argumentum,
ISBN963-44-6655-9)
Arnold Nieuwendam: Nieuw boek over Szlávics László[15], (MUNTkoerier 1/2014)
László Beke: Medal artist László Szlávics jr.: a lesson in contemporary (art) history for viewers – Exhibition of László Szlávics jr., winner of the Grand Prize of the 20th National Biennial of Medal Art[16] (21st National Biennial of Medal Art, catalog,
Sopron, 2017)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: Time and space differently - Recent medallic work by László Szlávics Jr,
[17] (The Medal No. 73, 2018 London)
László Szlávics (born August 11, 1959) is a
Hungarian sculptor and
medallic artist. He publishes his works under the names (
Hungarian: ifj. Szlávics László, or Szlávics László, ifj.) László, ifj. Szlávics or Laszlo Szlavics Jr.
László Szlávics jr. has set several new norms in Hungarian medallic art. It was presumably not his express aim, but he was merely following the dictates of his innovative mind to do something new not yet found in the trade. He is heading in this direction, with the sure – and literally tangible – conviction that at the extremes, on the limits of the art form there is still a lot to be searched – and found out.
Between 1973 and 1977 he attended the Arts & Crafts Secondary School in
Budapest. After obtaining his Secondary School Leaving Certificate his training was supervised by his father also László Szlávics a
goldsmith and sculptor and the sculptor
Agamemnon Makris. Since 1973 he has lived and worked in the Százados artist’ colony in Budapest. Since 1995 he has often designed memorial coins for the
National Bank of Hungary.
Works
Szlávics is primarily a medalist. His works include every kind of medal, from those displaying the craftsmanship of the traditional minter to such as tend towards small sculptures. The dual commitment tend towards can be appreciated in all his works.
From the middle of the 1970s his sculptures,
reliefs and
medals have been characterized by realism and the precision of their craftsmanship. In the 1980s he was noted for handmade medals engraved in a steel negative, a technique reminiscent of ancient coinage. (Birds, Africa,[2]Count
István Széchenyi,[3]Hungarian generals executed at Arad in 1849[4] stb.). Cast
bronze works show the influence of Cubism. Among them, the most notable of the first half of the 1990s are a series of 20 medals inspired by Vincent van Gogh[5] works.
In the second half of the 1990s, he made use of natural materials (
bone,
feathers,
seashells &c.,). These are original in style, and are on the fringe of the medal-genre (Cultic proto-money[6]). As a counterpoint to this, he produced several series of medals using an industrial, where time – is measured by movements within the object – visible mode. (mechanical medals[7]). The medals are activated by the active contribution of the public.
Since the start of the 21st century, he has tried to renew the medal arts, by searching for the limits. In 2006, Hungarian Medalists awarded him – the first – Ligeti Erika Prize. In 2007, he was awarded the
Béni Ferenczy Prize, grand prix of the 16th National Biennial of Medal Art. Also in that year, he was among the two selected artists at the Art Medal World Congress FIDEM XXX (
Colorado Springs, USA). In his small sculptures, he often used objets trouvés given new functions. (In memoriam
Man Ray,[8] An hour with Salvador Dalí ,[9]Hotline[10]). This Interactive mobile sculptures are activated by the public.[11]
Since 2008, he has produced many wooden small sculptures. Many of them are small sculptures, in the traditional sense, which, in a way, remind of houses and ruins. Large clock sculptures are related to the aforementioned both formally and technically. They are clearly contemporary works, of art, incorporating conventional devices such as the pendulum or spring mechanism, carrying out the functions of a clock. Every hour, and half hour the mark the time by striking the soundbar.
Exhibitions (selection)
Group shows
Since 1975 his works have been exhibited in 15 countries. The most important are:
1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 2005 National Biennial of Small Plastic,
Pécs, Hungary
Since 1983 every National Biennial of Medal Art,
Sopron, Hungary
2012 – "Síkplasztikáim", Symbol Art Gallery,[16] 21 – 28 February 2012. Budapest, Hungary
2015 – "Za hranicami medailérstva...", NBS Múzeum Mincí a Medalí, Kremnica, Slovakia.
Awards & Recognitions (selection)
The most important national or international awards:
1993 – Faces and Fates National Portrait Biennale,
Budapest, Hungary, Golden Diploma, (Main Prize)
1996 – 9th Cloisonne Jewelry Contest Tokyo, Japan, Encouragement Prize
1996 – Head or Tails, Art medal exhibition, Budapest, Hungary, Grand Prix
1997 – 11th National Biennial of Medal Art,
Sopron, Hungary, Civitas Fidelissima-prize (Prize of the Municipal City Government of Sopron, Silver Medals)
2000 – 7th National Wood Sculpture Exhibition,Nagyatád, Hungary, Prize of Nagyatád city.
2002 – Masaccio 600 International Art Medal Competition,Ein Vered, Israel, Special Mention
2003 – 14th 11th National Biennial of Medal Art,[17] Sopron, Hungary, Civitas Fidelissima Prize (Prize of the Municipal City Government of Sopron, Silver Medals)
2003 – Jenő Rejtő Memorial Exhibition,
Budapest, The Museum of Literature Petőfi, First prize
2006 – II. Articum International Biennial,
Szolnok, Hungary, Sculpture Prize
2006 – Erika Ligeti prize
2007 – 16th National Biennial of Medal Art,[18] 16th Hungarian Biennale of Medal Art, Sopron, Hungary,
Béni Ferenczy Prize, The Grand Prize awarded by the Municipal Government of Győr-Moson-Sopron County
2015 – 20th National Biennial of Medal Art,[21] 20th Hungarian Biennale of Medal Art, Sopron, Hungary, Béni Ferenczy Prize, The Grand Prize awarded by the Municipal City Government of Sopron
Collections which include work by László Szlávics Jr. (selection)
2001 – Imre Pekár Prize, small sculpture, Chamber of Engineers, Hajdú–Bihar County.
2001 – László Csány Prize, small sculpture, Hungarian Chamber of Engineers
2002 – Pál Hajnik Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2003 – András Hadik Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2004 – Pécsi ókeresztény sírkamrák, 5000-forint, silver, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank
2005 – Lázár Mészáros Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2006 – Gyula Andrássy Prize, memorial plaque and badge, Ministry of National Defence, Hungary
2007 – 550 anniversary of accession of
King Mathias Corvinus, 50.000.–forint, gold, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank
2007 – Bishop Lajos Ordass Prize, small sculpture and memorial plaque, Hungarian Lutheran Church
2007 – Sándor Prónay Prize, small sculpture and memorial plaque, Hungarian Lutheran Church
2008 – John Calvin memorial medals, Hungarian Calvinist Church
2009 – 200th Anniversary of birth of
Ferenc Erkel, 5000-forint, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank. Collector-series "The smallest gold coin of the world".
2010 – 200th Anniversary of birth of
Adam Clark, 5000-forint, memorial coin, Hungarian National Bank. Collector-series "The smallest gold coin of the world".
Memberships
1984 – Association of Hungarian Creative Artists[22]
1991 – Association of Hungarian Fine and Applied Artists, Medal Section.[23]
1995 – FIDEM, Fédération Internationale de la Médaille d'Art.
Imre Soós: Van Gogh medals of László, Szlávics Jr. (Művészet és Barátai,
Budapest, 1996 September–October)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: László, Szlávics Jr.[7] (Budapest, 1997. Publisher: Art ’95,
ISBN963-04-8922-8)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: A Cycle of Cultic Proto-Money by László, Szlávics jr. 1996–1997 [8] (Budapest, 1999–2000. Publisher: Art ’95,
ISBN963-03-8257-1)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: A series of ritual proto-money by László Szlávics Jr.
[9](London, The Medal, No. 36 Spring 2000.)
Arnold Nieuwendam: Peningen van ifj. Szlávics László – Een medailleur uit Hongarije[10] (MUNTkoerier 11/2003)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: Time and Space in Recent Works by László Szlávics jr. 1995–2005[11] (Budapest, 2006. Publisher: Art ’95,
ISBN963-06-0007-2)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: Time and space in recent works by László Szlávics Jr.[12] (London, The Medal, No. 50 Spring 2007.)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: A kitapintható idő és tér – ifj. Szlávics László újabb éremmunkáiról (
Budapest, Magyar Iparművészet 2008/2)
Antal Tóth: A Wizard in Hungarian Medallic Art – Exhibition of László Szlávics jr., winner of the Grand Prize of the 16th National Biennial of Medal Art[13] (16th National Biennial of Medal Art, catalog,
Sopron, 2009,
ISBN978-963-06-7202-3)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: László Szlávics Jr., monography
[14], (Budapest, 2012. Publisher: Argumentum,
ISBN963-44-6655-9)
Arnold Nieuwendam: Nieuw boek over Szlávics László[15], (MUNTkoerier 1/2014)
László Beke: Medal artist László Szlávics jr.: a lesson in contemporary (art) history for viewers – Exhibition of László Szlávics jr., winner of the Grand Prize of the 20th National Biennial of Medal Art[16] (21st National Biennial of Medal Art, catalog,
Sopron, 2017)
Viktória L. Kovásznai: Time and space differently - Recent medallic work by László Szlávics Jr,
[17] (The Medal No. 73, 2018 London)