The first, exquisitely detailed Budapest map of Urban Sidewalker came out in 2014, presenting a bird’s eye view of the city and its many major landmarks. The artist, Balázs Egri, only used to draw as a hobby, but after a few glasses and nostalgic chatter one night with his psychologist friend, Máté Révay, the two decided to launch Urban Sidewalker. And now, four years later, they have opened their own store.
It took Balázs about 120 hours to finish that first drawing in 2014, free hand with a fineliner. He still sticks to this method and only uses digital technique to add colour after scanning, even though this means that each poster requires three months to finish, postcards three to five days. Balázs jokingly admits that he cannot draw from memory, but uses photographs and then adds his magic. Either way, he always manages to capture the spirit and essence of his subject city.
The postcard collection has 12 pieces in various colour combinations, depicting classic landmarks such as Buda Castle, the Citadel, Parliament or the Chain Bridge, as well as captured moments of everyday life, little old ladies walking dogs, bikers rushing through or children playing.
The Opera House, the Synagogue on Dohány utca and the St Stephen’s Basilica are also available on a graphic on their own, while Balázs also often depicts less popular places such as Óbuda, Szentendre and Pécs.
And beyond the Budapest collection – which is ever expanding – you can also find posters and postcards of Vienna, Prague and Bratislava, while Berlin and London will soon feature at the store, too.
And if you already dreamt up the perfect colour combination to match your walls at home, you can place a personalised order as well. Either way, be sure to spend some time browsing staring at the artworks as the abundance of drawings will make you just want to take them all.
- A6 postcard: 400 forints
- A5 postcard: 600 forints
- fridge magnet: 900 forints
- notebook: 1,000 forints
- poster: 5,000-7,000 forints
