Deep Down [antikvár]

FOREWORD The Hungarian István Orosz is an extrenmely versatile artist. As well as making drawings, he produces posters and films in which he combines drawings with photographs and other materials. These three disciplines are closely related. But in addition to all these he makes three-dimensional objects like his stairways, which a person appears to be ascending. The person becomes visible only if you look at the work from a specific angle, otherwise all you see is an unrecognisable shape on the stairs. Orosz has realized the power of images very early on. His non-commissioned art, on show at Escher in het Paleis as part of the "Hongarije aan Zee" program, appeals to the imagination because it is full of dramatic visual leaps and bounds and interesting references to ancient art. Despite his fondness for complex constructions, his works are easily accessible to viewers. Like Escher's prints, they consist of various layers and it is the discovery of those different layers that gives the works excitement. The most important is the power of persuasion, and that is something he possesses to a considerable degree. We are very pleased that István Orosz has not only made new prints for Escher in het Paleis, but also a new stairway. The visual illusion is the central theme in both types of works. Visitors encounter the stairs in the entrance hall, long before reaching the exhibition on the second floor. So the onlooker is immediately confronted with a puzzle: how should this work be looked at? István Orosz compels us to leave our daily concerns behind and enter into a world that exists, but is at the same time impossible. Working together with István Orosz has been a very pleasant experience, for which we would like to thank him. Our thanks go too to Micky Filler for her support and guidance. Wim van Khmpen director, Escher in het Paleis The Hague, September 2004