Interview: Jozef Danyi
Luca Curci talks with Jozef Danyi during THE BODY LANGUAGE 2021 and at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

Jozef Danyi was born in 1969. He lives and works in the picturesque city of Bruntál, Czech Republic. As a self-taught photographer, he focuses primarily on portrait photography and his creation has the hallmarks of mastering a widely opened diaphragm and dramatic utilization of light. His distinctive work is characteristic not only by its composition but also sensitivity and sensuality. Jozef has been actively participating in the International Photographic Salons since 2012. He represented Czech Republic in the World Photographic Cup which was co-organized also by the FEP (Federation of European Photographers). The same Federation qualified him in 2014 for the European Photographers (EP) and simultaneously granted him the EP title. He is an active member of the Czech Federation of Art Photography (CFFU) and the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) which awarded him the Excellence FIAP (EFIAP) title in 2017. Since 2020 Jozef is a member CFA Affiliate Artist (France) and Artist Collective (Australia).

Luca Curci – How did you get to photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Jozef Danyi – Photography is a part of my life since childhood or, rather since young adult age but I started to make it more intensively since maybe 2005. Around 2008 I got to the point of kind of professionality which I logically presented. Anyway, in my heart, I am more fine-art photography inclined and that is what influences my own creation.

LC – According to you, what makes a good photo? Which details do you focus on?
JD – Hard question but I will try to put it simple and in a way that certainly will not surprise you. I think that if a piece of photography has that kind of ‘feeling’ and can catch you then the technical features and aspects of the piece are not so important. Of importance is the feeling that forces you to come back to the piece and think about it. In my creation, I focus on eyes and their expression that directly confronts you. Lately, I also focus on every-day world objects put in the new context that should harmonize and synchronize contrasts of history and the modern age. These are “The
Lady” projects.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
JD – My inspiration comes from books about history and from old paintings and canvas. There is a lot of space for ideas and creativity development in these works.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
JD – This would be a very sad and boring world without artists. The huge and colorful diversity of artistic disciplines, fields and directions surrounding us makes our society much more interesting and that is the justification and also obligation of an artist role in our society.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
JD – It changed, not so significantly, but there is a change. I do not focus mainly on eyes anymore but try to express the whole picture including such tools as text description in order to explain the root idea of the work. I also abandoned the technique of maximum aperture (f1,2) which was my signature until 2017. The little change was rather positive and helped me to perceive photography from a different angle. I will surely come back to the eyes in some project in the future, not now but at the right time.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the photo presented been created for the festival or as a part of preexisting works?
JD – The “Vendulka” photography is part of already existing works issued in limited edition, having been printed in 2014. For this festival, it was released and signed on the backside including the certificate of origin.

LC – Can you explain something about the photo you have in our exhibition?
JD – I like the piece really a lot, not only how I make it but also because it happened to bring me some awards. I made it in 2012 on the sunny coast of Hvar island in Croatia. At the time, I was a lector of the fashion workshop organized by my friend Igi Adler. The moment the photo was taken was ‘the’ moment that you eagerly wait for some time and when you make it you just feel that – you click, make the snapshot and say “yes, I have made it!”. The light, blow of the wind, and keeping with hand the f1,2 aperture focused on the eyes. All of that, then post-processed with a clear idea in mind, and the great result is then for example the gold award of The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain for the best portrait in The 100th Southhampton International Exhibition of Photography in 2013. And that’s what pushes you further and motivates your next creation.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
JD – I will surely recommend the collaboration with you. The overall standard of the ITSLIQUID GROUP service that is guaranteed to selected artists is of high quality.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
JD – ITSLIQUID GROUP is a good choice for the presentation of works for both the experienced and starting artists. The agency can offer long years of experience and global scope.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
JD – Yes, I liked and enjoyed it pretty much!