Photo: Ada Szulc
Rudolf Dzurko, Exhibition “Only with Me Can You Hear the Grass Grow” at Východoslovenská Galéria in Košice
The East Slovak Gallery – Východoslovenská galéria in Košice has organized an exhibition titled “Only with Me Can You Hear the Grass Grow,” showcasing the work of Rudolf Dzurko, a brilliant Slovak artist of Roma origin.
Rudolf Dzurko (1941–2013) was an outstanding Roma artist from eastern Slovakia who, despite lacking formal artistic education, developed a unique style by combining glass and sand in his works. His pieces, rich in symbolism and emotion, reflect Roma identity and life experiences.
Born in the village of Pavlovce, Dzurko fled with his family from German occupation to northern Bohemia at a young age. He worked as a bricklayer and stoker in a glass factory, which significantly influenced his later artistic development. He began experimenting with a technique involving crushed colored glass, creating compositions inspired by his childhood and life within the Roma community. Although he considered himself a naïve artist, his works can be compared to those of Frida Kahlo, blending surrealism with magical realism.
The Východoslovenská galéria in Košice has curated this exhibition, “Only with Me Can You Hear the Grass Grow,” featuring Dzurko’s artwork. The display includes dozens of pieces created using the crushed glass technique, as well as wooden sculptures that draw upon Roma culture and traditions. This exhibition continues the research on Central European art history, aiming to highlight lesser-known artists within the context of inclusive approaches and a revision of art historical narratives.
Rudolf Dzurko was also a talented musician and storyteller, and his accounts of Roma life were filled with humor and imagination. Although underappreciated for many years, his work represents an essential part of cultural heritage, showcasing the richness and diversity of the Roma community.
The Východoslovenská galéria in Košice is the first regional art gallery in Slovakia, founded in 1951, just two years after the opening of the Slovak National Gallery. Since its establishment, the gallery has continually expanded its collection, acquiring valuable Slovak and international artworks while ensuring their documentation and popularization. Housed in a historic former county hall, the gallery not only presents art but also addresses significant social issues such as climate change, inequality, and segregation. It also operates a specialized library and a space dedicated to contemporary urban and ecological challenges. Through innovative projects and collaborations with experts from various fields, the gallery serves as a hub for dialogue, inspiration, and reflection on art and the modern world.
We sincerely thank ETP Slovensko for organizing the guided tour of Rudolf Dzurko’s exhibition at Východoslovenská galéria.
Fot. Fundacja Dom Kultury
