Tamas Jovanovics: The Beauty of the Lake

“My wife reminds me that almost 20 years ago, I told her that one day we’d live in Como”.

Tamas Jovanovics, a Hungarian artist who moved to Como in 2019, credits his wife with remembering how they were taken with the beauty of the lake on their first visit. After relocating to Italy in 2005, he and his wife would escape their apartment in Milan to spend their weekends riding the winding roads around the Larian hillsides on his Moto Guzzi. In fact, one of his works dating back to that period, was aptly titled Lago di Como.

His fascination with Moto Guzzi and the beauty of the lake have continued to this day. Jovanovics’ studio presents a breathtaking view of Como City and the stadium from his perch on Monte Olimpino. Yet, at times, these views can be more of a distraction than inspiration. He admits he has to occasionally close the shades to focus on his craft, although he’s also the first to admit that the pinkish-orange hues reflected in his current work may have been inspired by the sun-setting on the snow covered peaks across from his studio.

A self-described minimalist, Jovanovics uses acrylic on canvas to create abstract geometric patterns through repetition and color. According to his monograph, he describes the approach to his art: “I like to see things, sense things – in my own work and that of others – that somehow dissolve physical properties and suspend our awareness and perception of gravity…what I find important is space not objects”. His work continues to gain recognition both locally and abroad, where he was recently featured in Elle Decor, as a top 10 Hungarian artist.

Although Jovanovics’ art may not be a direct reflection of his Comaschi surroundings, his relationship with football is local. Aside from being a Como 1907 fan, he volunteers three days a week as a goalkeeper’s coach for Cometa, his son’s football team. And on those occasions that he can’t make it to the stadium for a Como 1907 football match, he enjoys the sights and sounds of Sinigaglia from his studio.