Vajda Lajos Két Ház Keritéssel 1935 1935

Vajda Lajos created 'Two Houses with Fence' in 1935. This is a pencil drawing of a structure that reminds me of folk architecture. Vajda, a Hungarian Jewish artist, explored themes of identity and cultural memory throughout his career. Living in Hungary during a period of rising nationalism and antisemitism, Vajda’s work responded to the increasing marginalization of Jewish people. He synthesized elements of constructivism and surrealism, using the visual language of the avant-garde to represent his interior world. Note the architectural elements and the crosses above each building which signal to us the cultural importance of Christian iconography at the time. It is so interesting how the structure seems to lack depth, creating a sense of flatness and ambiguity. I think this reflects the artist’s feeling of cultural displacement. Ultimately, this artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of prejudice and discrimination and speaks to the power of art. It's a means of expressing the complexities of identity in the face of adversity.