José Cziffery

• Name — José Cziffery • Birth Name — József Cziffery • Born — 31 December 1902 • Birthplace — Hungary • Died — 1965 • Place of death — Uruguay • Education — Academy of Fine Arts, Budapest; studied with Henri Matisse in Paris • Known for — Painting, teaching • Style — Post-Impressionism, Expressionism • Patrons — Enrique Amorim (supporter of Taller Figari)

József Cziffery was born in Hungary and trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest, where he studied under prominent artists of the period. He later continued his studies in Paris and was a student of Henri Matisse. His early work was influenced by European post-impressionism and expressionism. He emigrated to Uruguay in the 1930s and quickly integrated into the country's artistic community. Cziffery was a naturalized Uruguayan citizen and made significant contributions to the development of local painting, both as an artist and as an educator. He taught at various institutions, inspiring a generation of Uruguayan artists. Cziffery directed the Taller Figari for twenty years, an influential art workshop supported by Enrique Amorim and where José Cuneo also taught; it became a formative space for generations of students. Throughout his career, Cziffery was known for his vibrant use of color and interest in both portraiture and landscape. His style evolved over time but remained committed to the expressive possibilities of paint.