Kopin Katalin (szerk.): Jel - Tranzit. Bartl József kiállítása. Művészetmalom, Szentendre. 2012. november 23 - 2013. január 27. (Szentendre, 2012)
FOREWORD József Bartl joined the diverse art life of Szentendre as an elected member of the Old Colony of Artists of the town in 1972. He was supported by masters such as János Kmetty and István llosvai Varga. His art has not been influenced by the post- Nagybánya endeavours, but primarily by the picture building method represented by Dezső Korniss and Endre Bálint. He derives motifs (heart, tulip, cross, puppet, wedge, circle) from folk art imagery. The symbols picked out from their authentic environment are placed in a unique geometrical system, therefore a sort of symbol collection or 'symbol cadastre' is created. Apart from presenting the main periods of the oeuvre, the exhibition also points at the consistently built, unbroken chain of thought spanning and integrating the individual periods. By organising the exhibition, another characteristic profile of Szentendre art has been drawn: the profile of an artist who not only continued the local pictorial traditions, but also renewed them. Szentendre owes József Bartl this exhibition, as the last time he had an opportunity to display his works at a studio exhibition in Szentendre was in 2004 (Szentendre Art Gallery). László Balogh's lifework exhibition in 2010 (ArtMill), Pál Deim's retrospective exhibition this year (ArtMill), István Gy. Molnár's retrospective exhibition, which is to be held in December 2012, and József Bartl’s retrospective exhibition are attempting to reconstruct the past fifty years, a closing period in art history. The presentation of the doyen painters of Szentendre has revealed new art historical relations, has rendered palpable art trends and tendencies that were hidden until now from the public. Due to the concurrent or subsequent life-work exhibitions, the continuity of Szentendre art can be felt. The southern wing of the ArtMill, which was opened to the public in 2012, is an excellent location for exhibiting Bartl's life-work. The light and spacious rooms of the two-storey building are suitable for large panel paintings as well as graphics which require a more intimate milieu. The material of the exhibition includes paintings from Ferenczy Museum, pictures borrowed from other public and private collections and works owned by the artist. The exhibition catalogue consists of a comprehensive, analytic essay, a detailed biography of the artist, a list of exhibitions and a list of the major works from each period of Bartl's career. By organising this exhibition and publishing this catalogue, we are paying tribute to the Master. At the same time, we wish him undiminished creative urge and new inspiration, because painting is an essential element of his life! Dr. Márton Kálnoki-Gyöngyössy County Museum Director
