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, especially the Blue Mountains and outback
What does his art look like?
Expect energetic brushstrokes, abstract forms, and a feeling of spontaneity. Recently, he’s also started working with steel to expand his creative practice.
Has he shown his work anywhere big?
Yes! He’s been part of major exhibitions like:
-
The Sir John Sulman Prize
-
The Blake Prize for Religious Art
-
The Mosman Art Prize
-
A solo show called Residue of Fire, inspired by the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires
Does he do anything outside of fine art?
He’s also worked as a senior designer in Sydney, blending visual art with commercial design.
Is there a documentary about him?
Yep — it’s called In the Trail of Free Dreams (2022), directed by Istvan Golob. It covers his escape from Hungary, his creative evolution, and his connection to the Australian land. You can stream it on platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Tubi.
Where can I see more of his work?
Visit Imre Badonski Art or check him out on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok