Sági Gyula: Wave Geometry
A solo exhibition dedicated to the work of Gyula Sági
Schedule
Exhibition opening: 08. October, 2026, 18:00
On view: 09 - 28, October, 2026.
This series began in Cyprus during a residency program I attended last June. Sitting on the shore with a brush and watercolor, I tried to capture the movement of the waves and the depths of the blue infinity. From these initial observations, an abstract pictorial system gradually emerged in which the sea no longer appears as a landscape, but as a changing, constantly moving space.
These works are meditations on structure, repetition, and transparency. They are built up from layers of indigo acrylic ink that pile upon one another to create the depth of dark and light blues. The layers simultaneously conceal and reveal one another: as new surfaces are placed over top, the traces of previous layers remain perceptible. Painting thus appears not as the creation of a single image, but as a slow construction.
The original sight of the water and the horizon gradually loses its concrete references. Waves become lines, light becomes bands, and depth becomes superimposed layers of color. White, glowing lines intermittently interrupt the dark surfaces. These simultaneously evoke the light appearing on the water's surface, the horizon, and a kind of visual boundary line. They do not depict a specific place, but rather carry the memory of the perception of space.
The vertical form also plays an important role in the series. Arranged side by side, the narrow canvases create almost architectural structures. The gaps created between the individual pictures are just as important as the painted surfaces themselves: acting as part of the composition, these empty spaces allow the pictures to appear not as closed units, but as parts of a larger, coherent system.
A constant tension develops between the vertical forms and the recurring horizontal lines. The vertical elements draw the gaze upward while the strips of light repeatedly intersect these movements. Thus, stability and change, order and motion, depth and surface are simultaneously present in the images.
Therefore, for me, the series is not simply about the sea. Rather, it is about how a concrete natural experience can transform into an internal, abstract pictorial structure. The sea here is a starting point: an experience in which space has no fixed boundary, the surface changes constantly, and the exact same form never returns in the exact same way. Repetition in this sense does not mean identity, but continuous change.
The dark indigo surfaces and translucent layers of the pictures create a sense of depth in which it is difficult to precisely determine where the surface ends and space begins. The paintings seem both flat and spatial, closed and permeable. This uncertainty, the constant oscillation between surface and depth, is one of the central experiences of the series.
37 Gallery
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 3pm and Saturdays, 12pm – 6pm.
Many of you have asked: How we came up with the domino logo?
At 37 Gallery, we believe in the power of games and that everyone deserves a bit of joy in their everyday lives. That ia the reason why we want to help you bring joy and playfulness into your life and to the spaces that are special to you, with the works of the most exceptional contemporary artists.
Our motto symbolizes this principle:
“Joy in geometry”
37 Gallery, located at Bartók Béla Street 37, stands as one of the oldest cultural hubs in the heart of Buda. The gallery's name is derived from its street address, and a conceptual alignment with the recurring theme of "37" has been woven into its identity. Notably, the gallery hosts monthly exhibitions, inaugurated every 3rd day of the month at 7 pm.
Established in 2010, the gallery has, since 2017, dedicated its focus to a specific genre - Geometrical and Concrete Art. This commitment commenced with the presentation of Bálványos Levente's reliefs in 2016, leading to subsequent exhibitions featuring young contemporary artists. Notably, three of these artists were later showcased at the renowned Swiss artist Max Bill's residence in Zürich, receiving acclaim from Dr. Angela Thomas, Max Bill's widow, and art historian Passuth Krisztina.
Presently, Hungary's geometric art scene exudes a vibrant and refreshing energy, a spirit the gallery aims to share. In collaboration with the Open Structures Art Society (OSAS), featuring internationally acclaimed Hungarian artists such as Konok Tamás, Maurer Dóra, and Gáyor Tibor, among others, 37 Gallery endeavors to celebrate and sustain the vitality of geometric-concrete art.
The gallery actively organizes exhibitions for both local and international artists, whether emerging or established, fostering a dynamic artistic environment. By doing so, it not only preserves the tradition of geometric-concrete art but also champions young artists, facilitating the proper contextualization and presentation of their works. The gallery also actively engages in documenting, cataloging, and promoting these artworks on an international scale, contributing to the global recognition of Hungarian art.
With a vision for the gallery to serve as an intimate communal space, it aims to attract enthusiasts of geometric artworks, offering high-quality experiences, opportunities to connect with artists, and engagement through various workshops. Renowned artists, including Dóra Maurer, provide professional guidance and expertise, drawing from their extensive presence in major art collections worldwide.
Curated by Benedek Barna, Bálványos Levente, and Wolsky András, the gallery extends its societal responsibilities through fundraising initiatives and charitable auctions. It has supported organizations like Van Helyed Association and Nyugodt szív, channeling financial assistance, as envisioned by Kukorelly Endre, to aid those in extreme poverty.
Additionally, the gallery actively participates in projects such as "Beszélj Róla" (Talk about it), contributing to the awareness of discussing childhood sexual abuse. In collaboration with KULT11 Company and Újbuda's galleries, Gallery 37 plays an important role in revitalizing the cultural district of the area.
