Ernő Tolvaly, an enigmatic figure of Hungarian art life, is primarily known for his artistic activity involving painting. In spite of his quiet personality, he exerted an influence on his colleagues as an artist, an organizer and a teacher, from the 1970s until his death in 2008. He attended the Hungarian University of Fine Arts between 1972 and 1976, his master was Simon Sarkantyu. Already during his study years he was a member of the Rózsa-kör, later on also active participant of other Hungarian artist groups, e.g. the Mini Gallery and the Rabinec group.
