Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Judit Reigl Biography
Judit Reigl, born on May 1, 1923, in Kapuvár, Hungary, emerged as one of the most original and influential figures in European art after World War II. Her journey from a student at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts to an internationally acclaimed artist is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and profound impact on the art world.
Reigl's early life in Hungary was marked by her passion for art, leading her to attend the Hungarian University of Fine Arts from 1942 to 1945. Her talent and dedication to her craft were recognized early on, earning her a scholarship from the Academy of Hungary in Rome, where she studied between 1947 and 1948. This period was crucial for Reigl, exposing her to Byzantine icons and the rich tapestry of European art history.
The political climate of post-war Europe, particularly the rise of Stalinism, forced Reigl to flee Hungary in 1950. Her escape to Paris, mostly on foot, was not just a journey across Europe but a pivotal moment in her life and career. In Paris, she found a vibrant artistic community and the freedom to explore her artistic voice. It was here that she met Betty Anderson, a young English artist, on a student trip to Italy in 1947. Anderson would become her life partner until her death in 2007.
Reigl's work caught the attention of André Breton, the founder of Surrealism, who presented her first solo exhibition in 1954 and declared one of her paintings a Surrealist masterpiece. However, Reigl's relationship with Surrealism was brief; she soon rejected its affiliations, seeking to develop her own unique style. Her defiance against the conventional boundaries of art led her to explore the materiality and physicality of painting, employing innovative techniques and processes.
Reigl's artistic evolution is characterized by her series of works, which she organized chronologically, often overlapping in themes and techniques. From explosively gestural paint applications to compositions that began as accumulated paint drippings on floor tarps, Reigl's work is a study in the physical act of painting. She later adopted a performative approach, painting in a dance-like manner around her studio, using unconventional tools to apply paint to canvas.
Throughout her career, Reigl completed over 3,000 paintings, of which she "approved" approximately 1,200, destroying or painting over the rest. This self-critical approach underscores her relentless pursuit of artistic authenticity and excellence. Her work has been collected by major museums worldwide, including the Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Tate Modern, London; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, among others.
Reigl's contributions to art were recognized with numerous awards, including the Guggenheim International Award in 1964, the Carnegie Award in 1967-68, the Commander's Cross of Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary in 2008, and the Kossuth Prize in 2011. Her legacy is not only in the paintings she left behind but also in her influence on generations of artists who seek to challenge and expand the boundaries of artistic expression.
Judit Reigl passed away on August 6, 2020, in Marcoussis, France, at the age of 97. Her life and work continue to inspire and captivate audiences, cementing her place as a pivotal figure in the history of modern and contemporary art.
Judit Reigl Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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