Gyulai, Líviusz

Biography

Líviusz Gyulai was born December 2nd 1937 in Barót, Transylvania. He grew up with his mother, but she flew to Hungary in 1944 and left her son with relatives. It was only in 1946 that he could follow his mother to Sopron. First he was a regular visitor at the local library, than he got a job there. This is where he saw Gustav Doré’ s works and Verne illustrations for the first time.

Soon, he started to draw regularly in the group around Ernő Ágoston. In 1952, he continued his studies at the college of Fine Arts in Budapet and attended the Academy of Fine Arts from 1956 on. During his years of studies Aurél Bernáth becomes his good friend. In 1962 he graduates in graphical arts, János Kmetty was his master.

Líviusz Gyulai’ works are characterised by ironic representations full of humour, they show a long passed time. His detailed graphics, which are a good combination of the medieval technique of woodcuts and the modern techniques, create a unique fantasy world in the eyes of the observer. The prints, which remind of old postcards and lithographs around the turn of the century, represent simple human and animal figures on different historical spots.

Other images show fantastic carnival scenes, Italian Rococo and English bourgeoisie, costumes of the 19th century, the joy of life and irony. The literary illustrations are piquant and partly frivolous. Other works show well known literary figures and heroes with their tasks and destiny. The images show at the same time nostalgia and the grotesque. A milieu with its own little fragmentariness.