LIGHTS AND SHADOWS — Exhibition of Daniel Bidelnica's Paintings

We are pleased to invite you to the exhibition Lights and Shadows, taking place from May 27 to June 22, 2017, at the Glass Pavilion in the park of the Château in Čereňany.

The exhibition presents the work of prominent Slovak artist Daniel Bidelnica, whose paintings are distinguished by their vivid color palette, dynamic expression, and distinctive artistic language.

The artist is also active on the international scene, with recent exhibitions in Addis Ababa, Bratislava, and South Korea. This global presence is reflected in the character of his work, which transcends local boundaries.

The opening event will also feature a live performance by singer Adriena Bartošová and guitarist Pavol Bereza.

You may have noticed the logo of the non-profit organization Plamienok on the invitation.

Plamienok is a long-term partner of Atelier Hlavina, and we are pleased that this event also carries a philanthropic dimension. A voluntary charity collection will take place during the opening in support of their work.

Their mission—supporting families in difficult life situations—deserves both respect and recognition. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute, even in this small way.

We warmly invite you to join us, combining the experience of art and music with support for this meaningful cause.

Daniel Bidelnica

*Daniel Bidelnica (1957, Nitra) is an academic painter and a prominent figure in the Slovak art scene.

He received his early artistic education at a School of Arts and graduated in 1975 from the Secondary School of Applied Arts in Bratislava under Professor Rudolf Fila. He later studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, in the Department of Monumental Painting under doc. Ivan Vychlopen, graduating in 1983.

After his studies, he also worked as a teacher before dedicating himself fully to his independent artistic practice.

For many years, he worked in the historic studio of Gustáv Malý’s private school, associated with leading figures of Slovak art. He is currently based in a new studio in Rusovce, near the historical site of Gerulata.

He lives and works in Bratislava.

The artistic development of Daniel Bidelnica has been significantly shaped by his international travels, often culminating in solo exhibitions.

Beyond Europe, key influences include countries such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, India, Cuba, and Egypt, as well as more recent experiences in Ethiopia and South Korea. These journeys have enriched his visual language with diverse cultural references, contributing to the formation of his distinctive use of color.

His work is characterized by a bold chromatic expression that reflects not only visual impressions but also a deeper engagement with historical and cultural contexts.

Daniel Bidelnica is the founder of a painting symposium held at the château in Mojmírovce and a co-founder of the Association of Independent Visual Artists.

In addition to painting, he works in printmaking, art protis, sculpture, design, and body painting. He has held more than 200 exhibitions.

His monograph was published in 2007 at Danubiana as part of the Collection of Slovak Art series.

Daniel Bidelnica – On His Beginnings

“If I look back at the beginnings of my artistic journey, I would start at the School of Arts in Nitra, where I come from. It was there that I realized this was the path I wanted to follow.

I then studied at the Secondary School of Applied Arts in Bratislava under Professor Rudolf Fila. He guided us toward systematic study and encouraged a broader cultural perspective, including music and literature.

I continued at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, in the Department of Monumental Painting, under Professor Eugénia Lehotská and Associate Professor Ivan Vychlopen. Professor Ján Matejko also had a strong influence on me. Under his guidance, we learned various techniques such as fresco, mosaic, and stucco lustro—methods that are less common today.

What was important was that our teachers did not impose their own styles on us. They guided us while allowing space for individual expression. That, in my view, was their true strength.

After graduating, I had the opportunity to work in figurative painting through a scholarship. Gradually, however, my work shifted toward symbolism and abstraction. The figure still appears occasionally, but in a transformed form.”

On Influences and Inspiration

“I believe most emerging artists have a role model. For me, it has always been Pablo Picasso. I admire his versatility—the ability to move between cubism, figuration, synthesis, and classicism while maintaining a strong identity. In that sense, he reminds me of The Beatles: constantly evolving, yet always recognizable.

I also draw inspiration from art history. I’m particularly interested in artistic styles and movements—from antiquity, through the Renaissance (especially Italian), to Art Nouveau. In 20th-century art, however, I am more drawn to individual personalities, such as Antoni Gaudí, whose work is entirely unique.

Art cannot be measured or weighed—it can only be experienced. Although I primarily consider myself a painter, my interests extend beyond painting. I engage with graphic art, applied arts, textiles, and even architecture.

An important part of my practice is engaging with the work of other artists. Visiting exhibitions helps me avoid creative stagnation. The diversity of perspectives is enriching. I do not isolate myself in my own world; respect for different viewpoints is essential, both in art and in life.”

On Artistic Background

“I did not grow up in a family directly involved in the arts. However, my wife Mária is a restorer, painter, and also works with photography.

We met on the very first day at the academy. After our first year, we traveled together to Paris, where, in the Centre Pompidou, we reflected on the direction of our work. At the time, we could not have imagined that this shared journey would last a lifetime.”

About Daniel Bidelnica

Gerhard H. Meulensteen

Founder of Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

“I was impressed by the quality and positive energy of his work, which led me to acquire several of his paintings. I continue to enjoy them both at home and in my office.

My involvement with the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum deepened my interest in Slovak art and introduced me to Daniel Bidelnica and his wife Mária—both remarkable and talented individuals.

Daniel is an open-minded personality with a genuine interest in the work of other artists. His extensive travels have significantly shaped his artistic outlook.

I admire his ability to translate these experiences into his work while maintaining a distinctive personal style.

In 2007, on the occasion of the visit of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, he created the mural Lights on Water (4 × 12 m) at Danubiana, which was personally appreciated by Her Majesty.”

Kamil Peteraj

Writer and Poet

“Today’s world is full of contradictions, often prioritizing image over substance. In this context, Daniel Bidelnica stands out as an artist who maintains the integrity of artistic expression while making it accessible to a contemporary audience.

His work carries a strong sense of monumentality, evident throughout his oeuvre. Over the years, he has built a dedicated audience and achieved well-deserved recognition.

Without relying on grand statements, he creates works that reflect the present—its tensions, contrasts, and transformations. That, to me, defines his artistic philosophy.”

About Daniel Bidelnica

Peter Dvorský

tenor

“In 1967, I came to Bratislava to study singing at the Conservatory. That’s where I first noticed Daniel Bidelnica. He appeared reserved—thin, dark-haired, bearded, always carrying a stack of drawings. I remember his determined walk and focus. Even then, it was clear he was following his own path.

Years later, we met again—this time in the Tatras, where he was presenting his work. Within minutes, it felt as if no time had passed.

I immediately reserved one of his paintings, Birth of the Day, which I still have in my study. Whenever I need energy or feel low, I return to it. It remains a source of light and vitality.

Daniel works with warm, vivid colors that radiate joy. It reflects both his personality and his philosophy of life. In his work, I sense a strong will to live, explore, and create.”

Bolek Polívka

actor

“First, I saw the paintings—windows into a universe full of color, unusual forms, and a distinct harmony. Compared to it, our everyday reality can seem almost pale.

Only afterward did I meet the artist—Daniel Bidelnica. We spoke about travel, painting, art, and life.

He showed me Bratislava—a city where you can get traditional dumplings in an Irish pub. He also showed me Danubiana, an exhibition, and even painted cows—one of them his, another Peter Dvorský’s.

There is something remarkable about a city where a tenor and a painter can shape even such unexpected details.”

“More life, less pain.”

This phrase captures the mission of the non-profit organization Plamienok, dedicated to caring for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Plamienok operates as a pediatric home hospice, enabling children to remain in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by their families. A team of professionals—doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers—provides continuous, free palliative care directly within the family environment.

Beyond medical support, they guide families through one of life’s most difficult journeys, offering expertise, emotional support, and reassurance when it matters most.

For them, accompaniment means being present—sharing both pain and moments of peace, offering strength, and helping families find meaning and hope.

Family experience

“You never know when your life will suddenly change. We were looking for a way to stay at home with our seriously ill child.

In a very short time, I had to learn things I never imagined—how to administer medication and care for my son in critical moments. Plamienok was there for us constantly.

They were available at any time—day or night. They answered our calls, advised us, supported us, and shared even the hardest moments with us.

They are people who do their work with extraordinary dedication and humanity. They will always remain a part of our lives.”

– Lívia K., mother of Maxim