Adam Szentpétery creates paintings that are almost hypnotic in effect – precisely constructed geometric networks, optical tension, the illusion of movement and space, and visual distortions push classical painting into unexpected territory. His works balance rationality, technical precision and a powerful visual experience. The exhibition Network presents an artist who has consistently and persistently pushed the boundaries of geometric abstraction, redefining the possibilities of contemporary painting.
The unique language of geometry
Szentpétery builds his visual language from elementary elements – line, plane and colour – composing sophisticated pictorial structures founded on rhythm, order and carefully considered relationships. His work is characterised by geometric grids of horizontals, verticals and diagonals, layered with areas of colour. Their mutual interweaving creates the illusion of movement, vibration and spatial tension.
"Adam Szentpétery's works and artistic style are unique in Slovakia and in many respects singular. I am delighted that the Slovak National Gallery is presenting the very first solo exhibition of this exceptional artist within its spaces. We are thus bringing to the public a specific and fascinating type of art that significantly transcends the domestic context," says SNG Director General Juraj Králik.
"Szentpétery's paintings work with the precision of geometry, yet at the same time generate a powerful optical experience. Horizontals, verticals and diagonals meet in his works in constant motion, creating tension, rhythm and the illusion of space. The artist has long been exploring the boundaries of painting and the ways in which a picture can influence our perception of reality," adds exhibition curator Vladimír Beskid.
Since 2007 he has been developing a series of large-format circular paintings whose shape and execution evoke three-dimensional objects. Inspirations drawn from new technologies – from photographic effects to computer modelling – are translated into paintings reminiscent of curved, non-Euclidean space. In his later works he develops these principles into elliptical forms and complex network structures, often complemented by plastically rendered convex shapes.
Guided tours of the Network exhibition
Guided tours with the exhibition curator are available to the public in the very first days following the opening, offering visitors a deeper insight into the work of Adam Szentpétery.
Dates of guided tours: Venue: SNG, Rázusovo nábrežie, Bratislava / Premostenie, Hall IX Dates: 4 June and 18 June 2026, 17:00 Curator: Vladimír Beskid
Doc. Adam Szentpétery, Acad. Painter (b. 1956, Rožňava), lives and works in Rožňava and Košice.
Studies: 1976–1982 Academy of Fine Arts, Bratislava (monumental painting); 1971–1975 Secondary School of Applied Arts, Košice (graphic design). From 1999 to 2021, following the establishment of the Department of Fine Arts and Intermedia, he led the Studio of Contemporary Painting at the Faculty of Arts, Technical University of Košice. He was awarded the title of Associate Professor (docent) in 2004 and in 2007 became a laureate of the Hungarian state Munkácsy Mihály Award.
Exhibition: Adam Szentpétery: Network
Venue: SNG, Rázusovo nábrežie, Bratislava / Premostenie, Hall IX
Duration: 29 May – 25 October 2026
Curator: Vladimír Beskid
