Capturing the glint of artificial light on surfaces that animate tiles, conveying the texture of various metals or the slow decay of wooden surfaces—accurately representing all of this using traditional painting techniques is a monumental challenge. However, the character of Dávid Merényi's works, which almost imitate digital image-editing techniques, positions the viewer in an alternate reality, where the artist defines the realism and quality of each detail. He distinctly focuses on certain elements, deliberately neglecting to elaborate on other insignificant components to emphasize this choice.

What makes the contrast of different materials and surfaces especially timely is the fact that the urban still lifes presented in the exhibition, inspired by a trip to Berlin, contain elements of street art. Tags and throw-ups, in graffiti subculture, are primary tools for expressing the presence of the individual—similarly, Merényi, through his paintings, seeks to reveal hidden analogies that point to human presence. Gates, stairwells, courtyards, and hidden alcoves are all man-made, created for people: they bear the marks of their creators and users, while symbolically, they can be seen as signs of life. Dávid Merényi graduated in 2014 from the painting program of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts. His mentors were János Kósa and Réka Nemere. His works are featured in several domestic and international collections.

Author: Rebeka Kovács

The exhibition can be viewed in the Lobby of Bank Center in the last quarter of this year.