So after a fine steak dinner (he ate his rare of course) and superb bottle of wine I found myself settling into Attila Richard Lukacs' studio to discuss art and the possibility of buying some. As is often the case when dealing with the me the discussion eventually lead to wrestling, Mr Lukacs said with a grin he had the perfect piece for me. With that off he went and came back with a work. The piece was an image I was familiar with, not one I had seen nor thought about in a long time though.

  It involves two skinheads wrestling; one has the other in half nelson taking him down over his knee. The figures are set on an atmospheric green background creating space only with a change in shade and the direction with which the paint is manipulated. Although it looks like a portrait, there is an illusion of space given with these techniques. The subjects are semi nude and portrayed in traditional skinhead attire, Docs, Braces (or suspenders), shaved head and one figure is adorned with Tattoos.  I loved the work, it spoke to my sensibilities and made me think of when I was young and lived in Edmonton, as there was a huge alternative scene and skins were a part of it. There was just one problem though, I said my “Although my imaginary Bank account is full and I really love the work there is one problem, I am afraid it would scare and scar my six year old daughter, as the subject is pretty heavy matter to one who might not understand”

He understood of course and not wanting to disturb the sensibilities of a six year old and took no offence and we continued our conversation.

 We talked about his career and his life as an artist and he showed me various images and works through out his career. All of which I loved as I have admired this mans work since I was a teen. He took me through his “Varieties of Love” work when sometimes he worked with Indian esq. images of the Karma Sutra, he took me through his double sided works on paper (some of which are very abstracted), his Arbour Vitae period which involved Tar and oil on Canvas and involved no figures, some figures on surf boards he created, his most recent military works as well as his some of his Polaroid works. All of which I was very impressed with the whole while I kept thinking back to the first image he showed of the skinheads wrestling.

 Being a traditionalist I finally settled on an image with three Angles. I chose this work because it is one of his older works, and I truly love the historical rendering of the figures, the fact there is written text on the work and the way he suggests mountains and clouds in the background. As I studied this work I realised this man who I admired so much had had a greater influence on me than I had thought. I looked at the way he had rendered the mountains and clouds and made me think of my work. I was also very pleased my daughter would appreciate the subject matter. We arranged a delivery date and I prepared to leave.

 As I was I leaving I had the over whelming felling I was forgetting something, as I got to the door I realised what it was. I HAD TO OWN the Picture of the two skins wrestling. It spoke to me about what I had admired about this man as an artist when I was young. Without thought I decide I would pay Mr. Lukacs what ever price he asked for. He was very kind and understanding and gave me a price far less than the price I was willing to pay. We sealed the deal and I took my leave saying good night to him and his assistant Kevin, thanking them for their hospitality and their time. We agreed to meet again.

  As I left with the purchase of that particular piece I started what I call “My Secret Imaginary Art Collection”. A hidden collection of art works that I love and enjoy which I purchase without the intention of public display. This piece was a very expensive piece as I have now started an additional hidden wing to my imaginary mansion. In further thought this wing maybe being built exclusively for Mr. Lukacs’ work as I love it so much and wish to own so much of it. I believe he is the greatest painter of our time and one could never own too much of it.

 This piece was written with passion and imagination as thanks to Mr. Lukacs for his help with his interview and the use of his images.Thanks again to Kevin his assistant for all his effort as well.