Istvan Dukai

After spending 15 years in the world of graffiti, Istvan Dukai began his career as a graphic artist. His style has its roots in the geometric tradition, the philosophy of constructivism, and op-art. The minimalist use of colours and forms, the repetitive rhythm – which he skips occasionally but wittingly – result in unusual and illusion-like forms in the plane. The fundamental principle of his compositions is reduction, which is based on natural elements being stylised to geometric shapes and the diverse ways of combining these elements.

Sensuality also plays a key role in his art. Dukai aims to engage several senses in the viewing process. The play with geometric forms, textures and depth has a strong influence on the artworks. These bold forms alongside the uneven densely woven materials are reappropriated in his work. Reflecting on his work and life, he says, “The curfew during my childhood in Yugoslavia shaped by the Balkan war came to the forefront recently drawing parallels to the ‘quarantine-life’ during COVID: the feeling of loss, confusion and uncertainty when confined to our trusted space. The austere forms, colours and materials in my recent work create a language to express a sense of transcendent calm which I hope is conveyed to the viewer.”

To see more from Istvan, head over to https://istvandukai.com