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Who is Imre Badonski?Imre Badonski is a Hungarian-born contemporary artist based in Sydney, Australia. He creates abstract paintings, sculptures, and large installations that reflect his life journey and the landscapes around him. What’s his background?Badonski was born in Budapest and fled communist Hungary in 1979. After spending time in Paris, he eventually settled in Australia in 1986. He earned a Master of Arts with distinction from the University of New South Wales in 1992. What influences his art?His work is shaped by: His Hungarian heritage and the “Goulash Communism” era Surrealist ideas from his time in Paris The Australian landscape,...

"My artistic journey began in Hungary, surrounded by a vibrant cultural heritage and dramatic stories that shaped my early vision. Australia’s wild bush and unique textures transformed my perspective, inviting new forms, colours, and emotions into my work. Each painting reflects both external landscapes and the inner worlds of memory and myth that connect my Hungarian roots to my Australian life. I create not only to share my story, but to invite viewers to discover something deep within themselves-a sense of wonder and appreciation for beauty found in resilience and change."

Painting was always about gesture and emotion for me, but my creative journey has taken a new turn. From expressive brushwork, I’ve recently shifted my focus to working with steel. I began to feel limited by the flatness of the canvas — I wanted to work with something that pushed back, something more physical. That "something" turned out to be steel. Inspired by the rugged, elemental landscapes surrounding my home and studio, I began experimenting with scrap metal. My first steel works emerged almost like paintings in three dimensions: fluid, folded, and full of tension — embracing weight, balance, and...

I: Imre, thank you for speaking with us today. You have an intriguing story as a Hungarian-born artist now living and creating in Australia. How would you describe the role of visual artists in today’s rapidly changing and globalised world? IBi: I believe artists have always played a crucial role in reflecting the world around them, but today, that role feels even more significant. We’re living in a time of great political and social upheaval, climate crises, and technological transformation. Visual artists, in particular, are not only witnesses to these changes but also active participants in shaping the conversation about...

In the heart of the Australian Blue Mountains, nestled among the towering gum trees, stands my art studio. The land, with its vastness and peculiar beauty, had captivated me from the moment I set foot on it. Here, amidst the cacophony of cicadas and the occasional cry of a distant kookaburra, I find the freedom to create. My studio, a modest tin shed with sun bleached walls seems almost an extension of the land itself.  Here I make my journey into the heart of my creative process, showing how personal experiences shape my bold artistic vision.