Desiderius Orban

Place: Győr

Born: 1884

Death: 1986

Biography:

Desiderius Orban, a renowned Hungarian painter, printmaker, and teacher, had a profound impact on the art world. Born in Győr, Hungary, in 1884, he later moved to Budapest with his family and studied art under János Pentelei Molnár. Orban's artistic journey took him to Paris, where he was influenced by the works of Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne. This exposure shaped his style, which would later become characteristic of The Eight, a group of Hungarian artists who introduced cubism, expressionism, and Fauvism to their country.

Early Career and The Eight

In 1909, Orban joined the "neos" or Keresők (The Seekers), a group of young artists seeking new directions in art. They later became known as The Eight, with other notable members including Károly Kernstok, Béla Czóbel, and Róbert Berény. This period was marked by Orban's contact with prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, and Georges Braque. The Eight's second exhibit in 1911 showcased their unique style, bringing contemporary painting techniques from Western Europe to Hungary.

Emigration to Australia

With the rise of Nazis and Fascism, Orban fled Budapest in 1939, emigrating to Sydney, Australia. He changed his first name to Desiderius and began a new chapter in his life. During World War II, he enlisted in the Australian Army and later started his own art school. His work was recognized by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which purchased one of his paintings in 1944.

Awards and Recognition

Orban's contributions to the art world were acknowledged through various awards, including the Blake Prize for Religious Art in 1967 and again in 1971. He was also a judge for the Sulman Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. His students included notable artists such as Harold Thornton, John Olsen, and James Clifford.

Legacy

Desiderius Orban's legacy extends beyond his own artwork to the generations of students he influenced. His commitment to art education is evident in his establishment of the Arts and Crafts Academy, Atelier, in Budapest and his later involvement with the University of New England. For more information on Desiderius Orban's life and work, visit https://Wikioo.org/@/Desiderius-Orban or his page on Wikipedia.

• Some of Orban's notable works can be found at the Hungarian National Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Hungarian fine arts.
• His artwork is also featured on https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3B6X7, showcasing his unique style and contribution to the art world.
• For a deeper understanding of Orban's influence on Australian art, visit https://Wikioo.org/@/Clifton-Thomas-Almont-Peir, which highlights the work of another notable Australian artist.

Desiderius Orban's life and career serve as a testament to his dedication to art and education, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both Hungary and Australia.