Lola Szent-Gyorgyi is a seasoned artist whose creative journey has been shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences and influences. With both biological parents immersed in the world of Fine Arts and an adopted father who is a renowned scientist, Lola’s upbringing was a fusion of creativity and intellectual prowess. This laid the foundation for her multidimensional artistic endeavors, making her work distinct and deeply layered.
From a young age, Lola’s passion for art was evident. This early fascination led her to pursue higher education in graphic design at the New England School of Art and Design in Boston. Her academic path continued with a bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, followed by a master’s degree in oil painting. Beyond the canvas, her career has expanded into interior decor, environmental design, film and video production, and theater design. Her work spans a variety of mediums, including sculpture, textile design, and photography, with experiences at institutions such as the Sculpture Center, NYU, and the Art Students League in New York City. With a global perspective, she’s traveled and worked in cities like Budapest, Paris, Costa Rica, and London.
One of her recent works captures the whimsical energy of her varied artistic explorations. The piece, which embodies a bubbling, musical quality, is inspired by the intricate patterns of sheet music. When describing this piece, Lola notes that it is intended to reflect the lightheartedness and complexity often found in jazz. The musical inspiration behind the work adds a dynamic and free-flowing nature to the composition, with each brushstroke reflecting the rhythm and movement of a lively jazz number. Much like jazz, which can transition from slow, contemplative moments to fast-paced improvisation, her artwork captures this duality.
The title of the piece, humorously inspired by a comment Boris Johnson made following his resignation, adds another layer to the work. Although Lola’s intention is not to delve into political commentary, she found the juxtaposition of a humorous comment in a high-pressure situation amusing. This sentiment reflects in her work—blending serious artistry with a playful twist. In this sense, the artwork embodies both the tension and release that is characteristic of jazz, much like Johnson’s comment does to the context in which it was made.
As you engage with this piece, there is an undeniable feeling of joy and spontaneity. The whimsical energy suggests an almost effortless execution, yet closer inspection reveals a depth of thought and intention. Lola’s use of color and texture reflects the playful nature of her inspiration, using lighter shades that dance across the surface, mimicking the way musical notes might dance across a page. The layers of paint evoke a sense of movement, as if the artwork itself is in conversation with the viewer, much like jazz musicians might riff off one another in an impromptu performance.
Lola’s ability to weave different influences together—whether it’s the intricacies of sheet music, the fluidity of jazz, or the humor found in unexpected places—demonstrates her skill in making art that is not only visually appealing but emotionally resonant. The choice of jazz as a central theme speaks to her interest in exploring rhythm, improvisation, and the unplanned beauty that can emerge from structured chaos. Her art often blurs the lines between different mediums and styles, and this particular work is no exception.
Incorporating an array of techniques, from layered brushstrokes to finely detailed elements, Lola’s approach in this piece feels loose yet controlled, much like the improvisational nature of jazz itself. Each element seems to play off the others, creating a harmonious yet complex whole. The result is a piece that invites viewers to engage with it on multiple levels, from its lighthearted surface to the more nuanced ideas that underpin it.
Ultimately, this artwork embodies the multidimensional spirit that defines Lola’s entire body of work. Her experiences in various artistic fields, from film to sculpture, come through in the way she crafts her paintings. Through this particular piece, she invites viewers to not only observe but to feel the rhythm and energy that inspired it, making it both a visual and emotional experience.
