Currently lives:  Budapest, Hungary

Short description of place of birth and how childhood was spent (for example schools, what events have shaped the artist’s character):

He was born in Budapest where he went to school, did sports and then between Nov 1959 and Feb 1962 he served in the Army. He’s been painting regularly since 1964.

The particular political or general interest significance of the artist’s home country or home town:

Budapest is a metropolis. Hungary is member of NATO and candidate for the membership in the European Union.

The event that introduced the artist to the arts:

Since 1964 he is member of a society of artistic friends in Budapest.

Formal training in the arts:

Between 1964-68 member of Artistic Circle at Bp. 13th  District Community Center.

Short description of artist’s family life as a youth:

“My youth family life has been really nice but unfortunately it passed away quickly.”

How did the family support the decision to become an artist:

They helped and assisted him in every way.

Sources of inspiration for the creative process:

According to Molnar, the sources are mental pressure and successes.

Keeping this inspiration throughout artistic life or finding new inspiration from which the artist’s art stems:

He kept these inspirations but hopes to develop further as well.

Short description on how the artist’s art has matured and progressed from his inception in the arts to the present moment.

Since 1966 the export division of a company called Art Gallery Co. has been regularly selling his paintings to numerous countries. The company was closed down around 1995.

The time when the artist achieved his first sale and what effect this event had on his personal life:  

Budapest, 1964. He sold his first art work. And ever since he could sell all of his works.

Names of the locations and years in which the artist’s art has been exhibited:

Open Exhibitions

1985  Hamburg

1986  Vienna, Otto Gallery

1987  Hamburg

1987  Stuttgart

1989  Hamburg

The styles in which the artist specializes:

Jozsef likes natural style, nonetheless he paints sometimes other styles as well.

The specific events (personal or political) which have affected the artist’s art:

“None.”

If the artist’s art is a commentary on a specific situation (e.g. expression of political situation or do they comment on intimate emotions):

“The emotions are determinant. I don’t deal with politics.“

The artist’s opinion on the present state of the arts and where he thinks art might be headed:

“In Hungary today the contemporary art is in crisis. I really hope it will change.”

Description of the artist’s emotions during the artistic process (e.g. if he considers the artistic process a spiritual experience, a subconscious reflection or other):

He works mainly to orders and if time allows him he paints for pleasure too.

If there is any recurrent theme in the artist’s art and the explanation of its origins and motives:

Still life, Landscape and Portraits that he likes to paint.

The artist’s favorites of his own works:

Large size male nude “Samson”, Large size Holland-touch still life, Large size loose-flower still life, Large size historical picture, portraits, etc.

Description of what inspired the creation of these works, what emotions they provoke in the artist etc.:

“I like all of my demanding works. I would do them even if I couldn’t sell them.”

If being an artist taught Molnar new facets of life and living:

He likes informality, the possibility of creating from nothing.

Awards that the artist received for his works:

“I have never paid any attention to recognitions. I am the critic of myself.”

Newspaper, magazine articles covering Molnar’s art:

N/A

Appearance of Molnar’s art in other sort of media:

N/A

The artist’s ambitions in art:

“A progress in arts to my own satisfaction.”

What the artist wishes to accomplish in the arts: