Alex Kéléty (1918-1940)
Hungarian artist and sculptor, was born in Budapest. His exact date of birth is unknown, because lots of official lists of names and dates before 1900 are lost. At the turn of the century Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and scene of a multitude of conflicts between the diverse ethnical groups and people.
The life of Alexander Kéléty
Budapest became a centre of arts and culture, as we can recognize nowadays by many museums and art galleries in the city. For example the Museum of Fine Arts at the Heroes’ Square, the Kunsthalle Budapest (Hall of Art) and the Palace of Art are situated in the centre of the city at the river Danube. Beside Alexander Kelety other famous Hungarian artists are from Budapest, among them are the painter Nándor Deák and the sculptor and restorer Ferenc Gyurcsek. At last Kelety emigrated to France and studied there in Toulouse. The city in southern French is the location of many universities and colleges, such as the École supérieure des beaux-arts de Toulouse, a school of Fine Arts, which famous role model is situated in Paris. During his studies he met Imre Simay, a Hungarian painter and sculptor.
Influences on his works
Kelety moved to Paris and continued his education there, to consolidate his knowledge and techniques. He dedicated himself to the Modern Arts and became a representative of the Art Deco, an artistic trend that arose at the beginning of the 20th century. The Art Deco was influenced by other artistic styles like the Art Nouveau and had its high point in the 1920ies. The exhibitions of his works in the Paris Salon during the years between World War I and World War II were decisive for the success and fame of Kéléty. The Paris Salon was an annual exhibition of arts that was initiated by the French King Louis XIV. in 1667. He wanted the Salon to propagate the courtly taste of arts. At first only members of the Royal Academy of Arts were allowed to take part in the exhibition, but after the revolution of 1789 also other artist took part in the Salon. Through the years the Salon became an institution for young artist. To exhibit at the Salon was the precondition to become a famous and respected artist. Therefore intrigues and conspiracies spread. Artists paid money to exhibit their works and the Salon was also criticized for its conventional and conservative selection criterions. For that reason at this time in Paris other artistic Salons spread, for example the Salon des Indépendants or the Salon d’Automne. They gave young artists of Modern Art the chance to show their works and where opponents of the state artistic policy. The participation at the Salon was a great milestone in the carrier of Alex Kéléty. With his detailed and natural sculptures, that offer the beauty and athletic strength of the human body, he was a dignified representative of the Art Deco. He died in 1940 in Paris. In addition to sculptures of Kelety we have also small and large bronze figures of Demetre Chiparus, Ferdinand Preiss, etc. Take a look in our shop. All of our products are positioned on a marble base. Every single sculpture is signed.