Kopin Katalin (szerk.): Jel - Tranzit. Bartl József kiállítása. Művészetmalom, Szentendre. 2012. november 23 - 2013. január 27. (Szentendre, 2012)

Dear Citizens of Szentendre, Dear Art Lovers,

The ArtMill of Szentendre is providing again a worthy background for the presentation of an outstanding member of the Old Colony of Artists of Szentendre, for the works of József Bartl, a Munkácsy Prize winning painter, whose art has evolved in our town.

Art has a different meaning for everyone. It can either be considered as the embodiment of our self-expression in a million different ways, or a work of fine art, a piece of music or an architectural masterpiece might come into our mind. Anyway, regardless of art genres, artists always try to express an important idea through their art for the external world. Spectators always reinterpret this message by placing it into their own system of thoughts.

József Bartl is known as a painter to the wider public, but only a few know that he has created graphics, sculptures, tapestries and glass compositions as well. In the early years, he depicted colourful objects and created evocative portraits, whereas later, he turned to geometric forms and motifs. Both his works and the path of his creative career hide discoverable values for art lovers.

József Bartl's art has the following meaning to me: We must always renew ourselves, face the visible or invisible challenges created by our throbbing environment in the greyness or splendour of everyday life. Only those who can continuously develop by benefiting from the changing conditions and find their stability in themselves and in the company of their loved ones instead of the external world can succeed in this race.

I hope that all visitors of the exhibitions and readers of the catalogue will be able to draw strength from the colours of József Bartl's art, and have a positive attitude towards the following exhibitions at the ArtMill.

Dr. Ferenc Dietz Mayor of Szentendre