Firework 

Endre Bartos made this painting titled "Firework" with oil on cardboard, expressing his vision of the world through abstract forms and vibrant colors. Born in Hungary in 1930, Bartos lived through a tumultuous period, experiencing the horrors of World War II and the subsequent communist regime. His art cannot be divorced from this social reality. We can ask, for instance, was this image intended as a moment of respite? Or does the abstraction point to a more complex set of conditions? His style developed outside of the artistic institutions favored by the state, which repressed more avant-garde artists. Through this lens, we can see Bartos’ art as a form of personal and political resistance. By researching Bartos’ life, engaging with other Hungarian artists of the period, and delving into historical archives, we can better understand the complex dialogue between art and society in 20th century Europe.