Fran J Nagy Art
As an artist, my work is rooted in the deep and primal truth that we, as human beings, are tribal by nature. Long before cities and written language, we existed in close-knit circles -tribes- defined not just by blood, but by shared stories, rituals, responsibilities and survival. In today’s fragmented and hyper-connected world, I return to this idea of “tribe” as a source of both grounding and questioning.
My art explores the emotional and psychological space where belonging meets identity. I investigate how humans seek connection in an increasingly individualistic society, and what we lose when we sever our ties to community, ancestry, and shared purpose. Through textures, and materials found in nature, like feathers and leaves, I aim to evoke the connection to earth and the memory of the village where the unspoken trust and inherited wisdom are gained.
To me, the tribe represents more than a cultural artifact; it is a living need…a structure of support, empathy, and mutual accountability. My work seeks to remind viewers that no matter how far we advance, our collective humanity is sustained by our ability to form bonds, gather in unity, and remember that we are not alone. In every piece, I ask: Who is your tribe? And what will they remember you for?
Available
Already Loved (sold)
Mock Ups
Big Dream
Past Sculpture
Solo exhibit, August 2020 at Eastern Shore Art Center
Fran J Nagy
I create art to give my soul a voice. With my art I strive to create work that incorporates materials in their natural state, particularly unglazed ceramic and wood. With an open eye, I’m always on the look-out for organic matter as a component for a painting or an element in a sculpture. With great efforts, I enhance, transform with heat, and take extra measures to preserve the natural beauty of the materials I use.
Past events
“Think of Fran Nagy’s paintings as commentaries on the complex relationship between Native and U.S. history and contemporary culture. Her work delivers a powerful message and speaks eloquently to “the ones who are remembered – by how they were forgotten.”
“Fran conveys an intuitive approach to her new creations. Adventurous and brave in her process, Fran does not shy away from experimenting with a new medium nor a sensitive subject. Fran’s willingness to dive deep into social stigmas and cultural woundings bring a pensiveness to her visually stunning work. The Grand Bohemian Galleries are honored to represent Fran’s thoughtful and sophisticated paintings and sculptures.”
“Working with acrylic and resin on canvas, like Modigliani, the paintings of this multi-disciplinary artist feature elongated forms, but Nagy depicts her figures with their backs to us – as they forward march into an unknown future. Some of these faceless shapes are stretched to the point of abstraction. Stretched any further and they could disappear into a simple line with no clear identity at all.
These forms could easily be read as exclamation points at the end of a story about what happened to Native Americans in a country that prides itself – or used to – on being a melting pot.”
I would love to hear from you!
Email: franjnagy@gmail.com