Végvári Lajos: Szalay Lajos (Miskolc, 1990)

is egocentric. With this attitude his standig outside, he realized the behaviour of „non taking part". This fact is one of the contradictions of his character, he is able to revolt against facts and at the same time accept them. This is his attitude concerning patriotism. Szalay is one of the Hungarians who are in discord with their people. He constructed an idealized picture for himself how a Hungarian should be. But like a disappointed biblical prophet he asks: „Why are we as miserable?" This question issues from the incapability to forgive, to make a compromise. It is a strange contradiction - his attitude remembering the „Complaints of the Prophet Jeremiah" - his compositions are not planned with a logical construction. The first line thrown like accidentally on the paper, determines the work developed from it, as if it would be drawn by itself. He trusts the starting line because it is the exprimation of a psychologic condition. Drawing is equivalent with handwriting: is is determinating and treacherous at the same time. The „accidently" formation of the graphic is going to be exciting when the artist stops this lines he „objectivises", giving them a determined sense and the adequate structure. This duality composed of spontaneity and intellectual moments makes Szalay's art as exciting. Though those ideas could not be read in the volume of interviews, the study of the textures and graphics convinced the autor of the book. Szalay's oeuvre isn't closed neither is his place and appreciation in history of art. He is similar to the greatests in art giving any style and for every generation a different aspect. This variety assures the survival of his art. A kakas (Nem lehet le ÍRNI az igazat) 1970. / It is impossibile to write the truth / On ne peut pas écrire la Vérité / p. tus (40,7x50,9 cm) Magyar Nemzeti Galéria tulajdona.