Discover the pioneering artwork of Ilona Keserü, a Hungarian artist who has spent her 70-year career pushing the boundaries of abstraction. Her retrospective show ‘Flow’ at Muzeum Susch in Switzerland is a testament to her innovative spirit.
The Visionary Abstraction of Ilona Keserü
A Life’s Work: From Hungary to the World
Hungarian artist Ilona Keserü has spent her 70-year career pushing the boundaries of abstraction, and her retrospective show “Flow” at Muzeum Susch in Switzerland is a testament to her innovative spirit. Born in Hungary, Keserü’s work is deeply rooted in the folkloric traditions of her homeland, yet she has also been influenced by the avant-garde movements of the 20th century.
The Intersection of Folk and Modernity
Keserü’s early work was marked by a fascination with the Baroque tombstones of Balatonudvari, which inspired her to explore the intuitive materialization of shape. Her use of flowing lines and vibrant colors, such as pink and orange tones, has been compared to the works of artists like Eva Hesse, Louise Bourgeois, and Judy Chicago. However, Keserü’s unique approach is rooted in her Hungarian heritage, where folkloric motifs are woven throughout her work.
The Significance of Color
Keserü’s independent color research, which began in the 1970s, has been a lifelong focus for the artist. She believes that every color of the rainbow is harmonious with each shade of skin found on Earth. This philosophy is reflected in her use of color, which is both bold and nuanced.
A Master of Texture
Keserü’s incorporation of sewing into her practice was a pioneering move in the art world. Her technique of canvas-embossing has become her trademark, and her textile reliefs are a testament to her skill as an artist. The enormous “Color-Space” textile composition on display at Muzeum Susch is a joyous and awe-inspiring work that invites the viewer to walk around it and feel its texture.
A Retrospective Worth Seeing
The exhibition at Muzeum Susch is a thorough and lively retrospective of Keserü’s work, featuring both her early creations and most recent paintings. The setting, with its 12th-century monastery origins, adds an extra layer of depth to the experience. As the artist wrote in 1979, “Look at a painting with the uncertain, multitudinous, complete self that shares in the unexpected and incomprehensible events of your life.”
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Ilona Keserü turns 91 this year, and it is a rare privilege to see her work on display in an unparalleled setting. The train ride from Zurich through the Alps affords spectacular views, making the trip to Muzeum Susch well worth the effort. Take your time to contemplate the works, and experience the visionary abstraction of Ilona Keserü for yourself.
“Flow” runs at Muzeum Susch in Switzerland through October 26, 2025.
