BIOGRAPHY
Esti Nagy is an Australian artist and illustrator living in Perth. Her enchanting work combines realism with stylised graphic elements inspired by the natural world. From digital creations to large-scale mural art in acrylics, Esti works across a range of mediums and scales to express her deep spiritual connection to nature and animals, portraying the soul and connectedness of all living things.
Born in Hungary, Esti was exposed to the world of art from a young age by her sculptor mother. Her family then relocated to the culturally diverse island of Mauritius when she was ten, before she finally settled in Australia to pursue a Bachelor's degree in graphic design and illustration at Curtin University. Later, Esti completed a degree in landscape architecture at the University of Western Australia and went on to work on several large projects combining art, nature and architecture. Driven to express herself more fully through art and illustration, Esti began her business as an artist in 2015 and has since completed numerous commissions, including several murals for local government, community groups, and private clients. She has participated in many group exhibitions and held her first solo show in 2020.
Esti’s artistic achievements have been recognised with several awards. Over the past two years, she has been the recipient of two of the City of Stirling's Creative Communities Grants.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
From a young age, I have felt a profound spiritual connection to the natural world and its inhabitants. Through my art, I strive to honour and express this innate bond. My creations often begin with a vision that is revealed to me through quiet meditation. As I delve deeper into this initial inspiration, I find myself drawn to explore and celebrate the interconnectedness of all things. I see art-making as a sacred of alchemy that enhances my life and serves to enrich the lives of others.
I love working in a range of mediums and scales - from small paper works to large murals - I find great delight and inspiration in variety and experimenting. In my process I often combine several mediums, from traditional oils, pencils, and acrylics to digital tools. Detailed realism is a big part of my work, which I contrast and layer with simple graphic shapes, patterns or abstract backgrounds.
Colour is another central part of my work - I love exploring colour harmonies and the interplay between vibrant and muted hues. When creating murals, I always carefully consider the surrounding environment, striving to integrate the work with its surroundings. With a background in design, illustration, and architecture, my creative process is guided by careful planning and research, typically through the use of digital mediums. I then build my works in layers, whether on canvas, paper, or walls, until my subjects take on a life of their own and become imbued with a sense of soul.
I am particularly drawn to depicting animals and the natural world, often featuring children interacting with these subjects in my works. Through my art, I seek to inspire a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world and all its inhabitants, celebrating the beauty and interconnectedness of all things.