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Dóra Keresztes: Grinning Grief
Dóra Keresztes: Grinning Grief
Dóra Keresztes: Grinning Grief

Work of Art in Focus – February 2021

offset, 1996, 70×100 cm

Out of the 150 artworks prepared by the Visegrad 4 countries' most outstanding poster artists, this month's work of art in focus – showcased in Pesti Vigadó's exhibition entitled ‘Postered' – expresses our heartfelt longing for the world of the theatre.

Ethnic Hungarian Transylvanian writer András Sütő's fairy tale for stage entitled Kalandozások Ihajcsuhajdiában [Wondering in the Playful Land of the Merry] was published in 1986. In 1993 the play was staged by László Vándorfi under the title "Grinning Grief" in the Veszprém (Hungary) based Petőfi Theatre. The poster for the performance was created by Dóra Keresztes: the design of this poster closely harmonises with the world of tales, folk music and folk traditions, which also assume profound importance in the András Sütő's play.

Graphic artist, painter and director of animated films Dóra Keresztes earned fame and recognition primarily thanks to her illustrations. In addition to her activities as a graphic artist, she designs and illustrates books, sketches stamps and posters, and is also involved in stage design and the production of animated films. In her capacity as illustrator and book designer, she has been awarded the prize ‘the most beautiful book of the year' not fewer than ten times so far.

Having majored in typographic art she graduated from the Hungarian College of Applied Arts in 1977. At the College, she was taught by János Kass, Líviusz Gyulai and Árpád Szabados. Up to now, her artworks have featured at several Hungarian and international exhibitions and film festivals. In 2014, the Organising Committee of the Hiroshima International Animation Festival selected Dóra Keresztes to stage a solo exhibition and thus represent Hungary as the guest of honour country at the event. In recognition of her professional achievements, she was awarded the following prizes: Balázs Béla Award (2005) for her cinematographic contribution, Ferenczy Noémi Award (2003) for her lifework in fine and applied arts, and IBBY Award (1994 and 2003) for her activities as illustrator.

Artworks by Dóra Keresztes often picture elements of Hungarian folk culture in a grotesque context and manner. Furthermore, her art is characterised by the use of colours, shapes and compositional elements peculiar to modern art. Apart from her films, her works of fine art also strive to create opportunities for audiences to experience folklore through placing traditions in modern contexts.

In 2013, András Sütő's play "Grinning Grief" was re-staged in the Veszprém (Hungary) based Pannon Várszínház Theatre.