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a theme, from which the artist will imagine that theme’s “philosophy of pieces, to sculptural installations, to shockingly abstract paintings in
shape“, or the way the work’s form interacts with its message. The artist the vein of Jackson Pollock but incorporating elements of assemblage.
collects pertinent material and creates a mental concept and plan for These abstract pieces are richly colorful, harmonious compositions of
visualization of the theme. Ms. Szalkay often paints in “Cycles:” theories splattered paint interspersed with assemblage objects both natural and
on philosophical themes, exploring ideas such as chaos, cognition, entropy, manmade. Ms. Szalkay uses music as an influence in the act of creating
hope, and love. The colors, materials and structure of her paintings are her artwork, thus her work reverberates with animation. Her work evokes
intended to evoke a sense of passion in the viewer, demanding that the life by representing not only an idea but the very process of painting itself,
viewer examine his or her own perceptions of these aspects of the mind. the symbiosis between thought and action. The application of paint feels
The artist works to dispel the myth that abstract art cannot express both organic and deliberate, as if it sprang from the canvas in perfect
pathos, the element of connecting with an audience’s emotions and rhythm. Assemblage objects ground each work in a concrete, tangible
evoking compassion. world, while entrancing, abstract compositions transport each work to
Ms. Szalkay believes that abstract elements can inspire reflection on the the realm of the sublime.
deepest aspects of humanity. Indeed, her work resonates in the viewer, Irma received her Ph.D. in 1993 from the University of graz, Austria, and
inspiring meditation on the association between paint and canvas, between her work is heavily influenced by her background as a university-trained
conception and creation. Ms. Szalkay’s range of skills is amazingly broad, philosopher. She has exhibited extensively in both the US and Europe,
her work ranging from exquisite verre eglomise portraits and figurative including germany, Austria, Italy, New york, and Washington, D.C.

ruthie Tucker,
Executive Director and Curator,
Art Acquisitor Magazine 7/1, 2009 Washington

 Hats oFF: tHe impossiBLe maDe possiBLe, 2009 ACrylIC MIxED MEDIA ON CANvAS, TWO TrIANglES / APPrOxIMATEly 36x27 IN. /80x60 CM.
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