Exclusive interview with Karolina Sávolt – 13 y.o. Hungarian painter prodigy
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Step into the vibrant world of Karolina Sávolt, Hungary’s 13-year-old artistic sensation! To celebrate the opening of her latest exhibition, ‘Earthly Wonders’ by Karolina Sávolt, which premiered on 3rd April at Bodo Gallery, Budapest, we thought of inviting the young painter prodigy to an exclusive interview. From her early days of painting during the pandemic to international exhibitions in Budapest, Dubai and Barcelona, Karolina Sávolt’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us to uncover the story behind Karolina Sávolt’s artistic vision, her dreams of supporting art education for disadvantaged children and her aspirations to showcase her works on the global stage.
DNH: What inspired you to start painting at such a young age, and how did you discover the unique style of magical realism?
Karolina Sávolt: I began painting during the pandemic at the age of nine, where I discovered the beauty of painting, although I had been drawing a lot before. I enjoy painting realistically and portraying motifs in such a way that I tend to exaggerate them, which adds a touch of magic to my paintings.
Who are your favourite painters and artistic styles?
I wouldn’t single out one artist, but among my favourite painters are those from the 15th, 11th and 12th centuries as well as several contemporary painters. I’m drawn to various artistic styles such as romanticism, renaissance, realism and abstraction, often incorporating geometric shapes.
Could you tell us about Karolina Sávolt’s journey as a self-taught artist, learning from online sources and mastering the basics of painting?
I haven’t had a teacher or mentor beside me; everything I’ve learned and mastered has been through online resources. Being born in 2010, they say I belong to the alpha generation, and learning online is something my generation is familiar with and adept at.
How do you balance your passion for painting with your studies and sports, such as tennis?
Painting will always be a part of my life, but I also prioritise my studies and sports. Therefore, I have a busy schedule both on weekdays and weekends.
Your paintings often feature elements related to nature and the environment. What message do you aim to convey through your artwork?
All my paintings carry messages. Since my first exhibition, I’ve realised the impact I can have on my surroundings, so I’ve amplified the importance of environmental, animal and nature conservation through my art. I also highlight the beauty of our environment and urge people to notice and appreciate it.
Could you share your creative process from ideation to execution, particularly focusing on your preference for oil painting?
In the first few months of learning the basics, I started with acrylics, but they dried too quickly for my liking since I often work on multiple paintings simultaneously. So I switched to oil painting, which allows me to work on a piece for several days without the paint drying. Planning is crucial; I sketch out my ideas on paper before transferring them onto canvas. Sometimes I make adjustments during the painting process, but maintaining proper proportions is always a priority.
There seems to be a high number of amazing youth in this world. I can’t help but hope they all get the supports that they need and at the same time do not get taken advantage of by family or the wider public. We read and hear too often about young musicians etc in the entertainment industry being violated by penises, which are a tool of violence against women of all ages. And immediate family who increase their own lifestyle to hights which misuse and appropriate too much of the income from the talented child. I hope tht this young woman immediately has legal protection put in place to serve her best interests, while also ensuring tht siblings get equal attention from parents.