ABOUT IGNÁC KOKAS

Do you have the eyesight of a painter?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the eyesight of a painter. My greatest friend, my soulmate, Ignác Kokas has talked to me about these things. My heart is broken since I couldn’t record his words, but I’m simply not able to impose on him with machines. I sit at his feet like Mary must have watched the Master, with my mouth agape, listening to all of his words. It is at home that I then take out the small-scale reproductions of his paintings and study them silently.

Does he explain you the secrets of painting?

No, he doesn’t. He explains nothing. He just tells the truth. The truth as the sufferings and the experiences of the artist. He is the one to understand best the representations created by my children. He doesn’t analyse drawings like a psychologist. He just looks at them and understands them. I could cry. I cry at home after I get home and retire to my den like an owl as I recall such rich moments.

Why do you cry?

Because I’m afraid that I won’t be able to remember and transmit his words as accurately as I should. Only my feelings contain the entire experience. In the school of my dreams I would teach all of his words, but not only his words but his essence, just as if it were his voice talking. I would teach with his face, his complexion and his hands. Even though his hands are wounded, he continues his incredible painting and has demonstrated his special techniques to me.