Ms Szikra completed her studies in Budapest, under the instruction of József Baksai. From working in an art research center, a fine art museum (Ernst Museum, Budapest), through to teaching art in an art school and working as a freelance art critic, her focus has shifted to painting in recent times. In the past few years, she has put on several exhibitions of her own work in Budapest, while participating in numerous group exhibitions in Hungary and Germany.

From the very beginning, light has been the main subject of her paintings as it can be observed in her early night-cityscapes as well as her work of recent years where the element of nature became progressively predominant. Whether the paintings’ blurred scenery is tempting us to race through a forest, a mesmerising, secret green garden inviting us to meditate or the reflection of mountains on the water surface taking us back to that day by the lakeside – the element of light is always there, dappled, falling through the leafs or radiating from underneath a blanket of clouds.

In the recent years, interest in the unique atmosphere of her work, mainly inspired by Hungarian and Swedish experiences, has increased within local and international cultures alike.

For more information about Ágnes Szikra the artist, and to see her paintings visit www.agiszikra.com

1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Budapest which is also my birthplace.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
In New Zealand or Australia.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
My friends.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Visit a thermal bath, walk up a hill and enjoy the city view, meet up with local friends who help them explore the Budapest circuit.

5. What is your favourite food?
It used to be anything from my grandma’s kitchen.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
Swimming, biking, badminton.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
There are many: the Káli-medence (Káli cove), lake Balaton, certain places in the Dunakanyar.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I always wanted to be a painter so I wouldn’t swap it for any other profession.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
I’d never be a soldier or work at an abattoir. Couldn’t kill people nor animals.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Hungary and Sweden.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In Portugal.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: Guns ’n’ Roses and Led Zeppelin. Hobby: I used to make jewelery.

13. Apart of temptation what can’t you resist?
An invitation for a seaside vacation.

14. Red wine or white?
Green tea – to add more colours. :-) Wine: depends on the region and the mood.

15. Book or movie?
Book. …or movie. Both.

16. Morning person or night person?
I’m rather an owl but it changes with the seasons.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
The increasing poverty around us and many more…

18. Buda or Pest side?
The bridges connecting the two. Okay…: Buda because I love nature.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
I am blessed to be able to have a profession which is also the very thing that gives my life true meaning.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
„Truth does not lie in sentences but in the undistorted existence.
Eternal existence does not lie in time but in the state of harmony.” (Sándor Weöres: Towards totality)