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Dóra Maurer, Hungarian conceptual artist, dies at 88

artist · 2026-03-14

Dóra Maurer, a prominent Hungarian artist known for her unique shaped paintings, photography, and experimental films, has died. She was born in 1937 and became a key figure in Hungary's art scene during the 1970s. Her work gained international recognition after she showcased her 1979 series 'Seven Rotations' at the 2011 Istanbul Biennale, curated by Jens Hoffman and Adriano Pedrosa. This series features silver print self-portraits with the artist holding a white card at different angles, creating a spiral effect. Another important work, 'What Can One Do with a Paving Stone?' from 1971, shows her interacting with a paving stone, which she said had a complex meaning linked to street protests. Maurer, who initially trained in graphic arts, later taught at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts and was involved with the Open Structures Art Society. She also had a solo show at Tate Modern in 2019.

Key facts

  • Dóra Maurer died in 2026 at age 88.
  • She was a Hungarian conceptual artist working in printmaking, film, photography, and collage.
  • Her 1979 series 'Seven Rotations' was shown at the 2011 Istanbul Biennale.
  • The Istanbul Biennale was curated by Jens Hoffman and Adriano Pedrosa.
  • 'Seven Rotations' consists of silver print photographic self-portraits with a white card rotated 45 degrees each time.
  • Her work 'What Can One Do with a Paving Stone?' (1971) features twelve images of the artist with a paving stone.
  • She created shaped canvases called 'Overlappings' with trompe-l'œil effects.
  • She was a professor at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest.
  • She was a member of the Open Structures Art Society, which exhibited at the Vasarely Museum.
  • In 2019, she had a solo show at Tate Modern in London.

Entities

Artists

  • Dóra Maurer

Institutions

  • Istanbul Biennale
  • Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts
  • Open Structures Art Society
  • Vasarely Museum
  • Tate Modern
  • ArtReview
  • Széchenyi Academy of Literature and Art
  • White Cube
  • Carl Kostyál

Locations

  • Hungary
  • Istanbul
  • Budapest
  • London

Sources