Hungarian painter defines India with paint brush

Taking her inspiration from Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gill, Hungarian painter Ildikó Morovszki-Halász took to art only four years ago. However, each artwork reflects her passion for art.

Halász’s expressions through aquarelle and acrylic paintings reflect her visions of India. She calls this country an important chapter of her artistic life. Halász loves to paint compositions of Indian streets, people and moments.

In an interview with Surupasree Sarmmah, Halász talks about her passion for painting, why she chose India as her muse and more.

Check out her exclusive collection of paintings, ‘In the wake of Amrita Sher-Gil’, on display at Art@ L1, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, Vittal Mallya Road till March 31.

How did you get into painting?

I gave up graphic designing and decided to try my hands at painting.

However, to capture the true essence of a place, it is necessary to go deeper into it, so I started clicking photographs of various places in the country. This helped me collect a lot of information.

India is a colourful country, be it the festivals, its people or simply life on the streets. I have been living in Mumbai for four years now. And over these years, I have fallen in love with this place very organically. Realising that I am in the same country where Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gill once lived, was thrilling. It has been four years since I have been doing Amrita Sher-Gill reflections. I haven’t looked back since.

Ildikó Morovszki-Halász

Why did you choose India as your muse?

I have lived in different countries across the world before moving to Mumbai. However, none of these places have ever made me feel the way India did. It was here where I felt the need to paint. My father used to paint when I was a kid. Looking at his artworks, I always felt I should get into this too but lacked inspiration. When I came to India, I saw beauty in everything around me, and this motivated me. The best way to capture this was through brush strokes. India has not just inspired me to paint but has given me so much more. I started practicing yoga, wearing more colourful clothes, met a few very humble people and learned so much about life-philosophy.

Why Amrita Sher-Gill?

The journey of her life as a painter can be seen through her works. They are captivating. She was the first woman artist in India to paint poor people. I think it is very important to understand that less affluent people are not invisible and that they have a voice too. Amrita Sher-Gill, through her paintings, did just that.

One of your most favouirite paintings...

I have not made that yet. I am still conceptualising that and yet to paint it. Having said that, it is difficult to choose one. All my paintings are like my children, I can’t choose who is the best. It is not fair.

It has been just four years that you have started painting. How do you keep the motivation high?

My husband Andras Halasz has been standing strong by me and my passion for art. His never-give-up attitude has been a motivating factor for me. He is an incredible husband. I would have probably given up if he didn’t push me.

What are your future plans?

Unfortunately, this is our last year in India; we are moving back to Hungary. I am definitely taking back so much with me. I would like to seize an opportunity back home and showcase what India has given me, through my paintings. I would continue to paint and visit this country, whenever I get a chance.