Kunstner
Born in Makó, Hungary
Aurél Bernáth: Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Aurél Bernáth (born Makó, Hungary in 1895 – died 1982) was a prominent Hungarian painter and art theorist. He received his foundational artistic training at Nagybánya, studying under the guidance of István Réti and János Thorma. This early exposure to the Nagybánya school of plein-air painting would significantly shape his approach to landscape and color.
Wartime Experiences and Early Influences
Bernáth’s life was marked by the upheaval of the First World War, in which he served as a soldier. Following the war, in 1921, he relocated to Vienna, Austria. It was during this period that his artistic style began to be heavily influenced by the burgeoning German Expressionist movement.
Berlin and the Sturm Gallery
A pivotal moment in Bernáth’s career came with an invitation from Herwarth Walden to exhibit his work at the renowned Sturm Gallery in Berlin between 1922 and 1924. This exposure placed him amongst some of the most avant-garde artists of the time, solidifying his commitment to Expressionist principles.
Return to Hungary and the Gresham Circle
In 1926, Bernáth returned to Hungary and became a leading figure in the Képzőművészek új társasága (New Society of Artists), commonly known as KUT.