Born into a large poor family in Újpest Laborcz Ferenc showed artistic promise early. Let’s explore the life and work of Laborcz Ferenc és neje.
Laborcz Ferenc was born in Budapest on April 14 1908. He died on November 30 1971. He was a sculptor. He won the Munkácsy Mihály Prize in 1957.
Laborcz Ferenc initially trained as a wood sculptor. He apprenticed at the Fazekas Furniture Factory in Kispest. From 1934 he studied at the School of Applied Arts. He was a student of Imre Simay. He completed the decorative sculpture program. From 1937 he was a student at the College of Fine Arts. His teachers included Jenő Bory and István Szőnyi. He graduated in 1941. In 1942 he received the Roman Prize at the Collegium Hungaricum. He held his first exhibition at the Collegium Hungaricum. He had to return home the following year due to the war. He settled in Rákoshegy.
Laborcz Ferenc’s career began after the war. He participated in the first international exhibition in 1945. His life-size wooden sculpture titled “Humusz” won the sculpture prize of the Art Council. He participated in the “Towards Community Art” exhibition at the Műcsarnok. He presented his two-figure statue design titled “Motherhood”. In 1955 his works were exhibited in Budapest. The venue was the Fényes Adolf Room.
His sculptures were featured in nearly every exhibition of Hungarian artists abroad. These exhibitions took place in Geneva Lucerne and Zurich in 1955. They also showed in Peking in 1955. Paris in 1957 Antwerp in 1958 and 1967. Bucharest in 1958 Moscow in 1958. Stockholm Oslo and Helsinki in 1961. Holland in 1968 and London in 1969.
Initially his style was rooted in realism. Later he sought pure plastic expression. In 1957 he was awarded the Munkácsy Mihály Prize.
Some of his well-known works include the “Peaceful Girl” fountain sculpture. It was created in 1954. It is located in the XIV district Kerepesi road housing estate. It stands in the inner courtyard of the Martos Flóra now Heltai Gáspár Elementary School. “Mátrai Vénusz” was created in 1955. The Fazola Henrik statue was erected in Eger in 1958. “Chemists” is a relief on the facade of the Biogal Pharmaceutical Factory in Debrecen. It was created in 1958. Also notable is the relief composition at the Ferihegyi Road School in Budapest. It evokes Cantata Profana. It depicts nine stags.
Laborcz Ferenc had exhibitions in Székesfehérvár with Áron Lajos in 1961. He exhibited in the Műcsarnok in 1966. Another exhibition took place in Debrecen in 1969.
Laborcz Ferenc’s legacy lives on through his powerful sculptures. His dedication to his craft has left an indelible mark on Hungarian art. His evolution from realism to pure plastic expression showcases his artistic journey. Now you know more about Laborcz Ferenc és neje.