Benedek, Jenő (1906 - 1987)

Biography

Jenő Benedek was born in 1906 in Kecskemét (Central Hungary). Between 1925 and 1926 he studied with Imre Révész. From 1927 he attended the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts as a student of Imre Révész and Ágost Benkhard. In the 1930's, after interrupting his studies, he made several educational trips, mainly to Italy and Germany. Expressionism and Italian metaphysical painting affected his art deeply.

He lived in Berlin for a short time, where he earned a living by painting and drawing.

He resided and worked at the Szolnok Art Colony between 1944 and 1953. From 1953 to 1966, Benedek taught at the Budapest School of Fine and Applied Arts. Between 1945 and 1949 he was a member of the Rippl-Rónai Society.

His artistic perspective was greatly impacted by the intellectual mentality of Nagybánya he picked up from his master, Ágost Bernhard. Bernhard's ability to enrich his paintings in a lifelike manner influenced Benedek's art as well.

In the 1930's and 40's he worked on simple, figural landscapes. In the 60's his colors became harder and richer in contrast. His realist tones and reflexes were replaced by colder shades and rigorously structured paintings.