Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
Maria Jankovics was born in 1949 in Budapest, Hungary, before it fell under communist rule. At four years old, she showed symptoms of acute osteomyelitis. An operation to remove the bone infection was done without anaesthetic. Over time, the osteomyelitis returned and the artist has experienced numerous bone infections and hip replacements which have left her in chronic pain.

Jankovics' artistic journey began at an early age. Most of her experimentations were created during repeated hospitalizations. Maria completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1989 at Concordia University in Montreal.

Jankovics' work reflects her Hungarian heritage and incorporates themes of suffering, religion, and politics. Yet, it simultaneously takes on a childlike, playful combination of color and text.

Artist's Statement:
This calligraphy print represents my youthful memories of Budapest. The writings were all put on and carved on in reverse so that when it is printed out it can be read. The images were done that way too.

The writings are all folkloric songs which were popular and echo from those times. As it is a collagraph not only did it take me eight months to carve out but I had used a lot of collage on it as well to give it textures. Once all the carvings from the cardboard were done I pasted on many things.

Childhood Memories of Budapest was chosen for the grand format show at Atelier Circulaire "Voir Grand". There are fourteen from this series all printed out by master printmaker, Alan Piroir. This series is part of the Bibliotheque National du Quebec's collection.

Jankovics has exhibited in over 200 exhibits since 1985. Most recently, she was appointed a National Fellow in Visual Arts by VSA Arts.

Exhibitions:
Jankovics has exhibited in over 200 exhibits since 1985. These include venues such as: Maison Meunier, Maison de la culture Mercier, Maison de la culture Notre-Dame-Grâce, Maison de la culture Gatineau, Maison de la culture Marie-Uguay, Centre Brancusi, Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts and the World Trade Centre in Montreal.

Jankovics' work has been sold to collectors throughout Canada as well as in Egypt, Greece, Turkey and the USA.

Awards and Honours:
Included in Women Artists in Canada which is part of the Government of Canada’s Digital Collection.