Fraternity-Testvériség, 1963 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1963-07-01 / 7. szám

FRATERNITY

7

ALFONZ LENGYEL:

THE LIFE AND ART

OF

ALEXANDER FINTA

HUN G ARI AN -AMERICAN SCULPTOR

Chapter V

FINTA SETTLES IN THE UNITED STATES

Fleeing from an outbreak of yellow fever, the 42-year-old artist and his wife came to the United States in 1923. They became naturalized citizens in 1930. Despite language difficulties, Finta acquired a diploma from Columbia University in 1928 qualifying him as a museum director. Under the sponsorship of the First Presbyterian Church of New York, he then opened an art school for adults.

In his extensive travels, he had become acquainted with the customs and art of various nations. From primitive through modern art, he had studied all forms in sculpture, painting, architecture and folk art. These experiences he wished to impart to his students.

Finta’s pedagogical methods were based on demonstrations rather than on theory. His aim was to develop, gradually, a thorough knowledge of art in his students. He believed that the art student requires a period of quiet concentration in which to find the form and style best suited to his talent and personality, that the teacher’s role is to explain objectively the variations in artistic expression and to let each student select his own style and form.1

1 Finta Notes, op. cit.