Romance in Rome

Imre Makk and Eva Holusa met while studying at the Academy of Fine Art in Rome. Americo, originally from Hungary, had received a scholarship to study in Rome after attending the Hungarian National Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest. Eva, born in Ethiopia to a Hungarian father and a Hungarian baroness mother, had previously studied art in Paris before continuing her education in Rome. It was during their time at the Academy that they met, eventually marrying and collaborating on their artistic careers.

Establishing Roots in Brazil

In 1949, the Makks relocated to São Paulo, Brazil, where they married on October 18, 1950. The following year, they were appointed Professors of Fine Arts at the Academia de Belas Artes. Their son, Americo Bartholomew Makk—known as A.B. Makk—was born in São Paulo in 1951. During this time, Americo adopted the Portuguese version of his name, transitioning from "Imre" to "Americo."

Artistic Contributions and Recognition

The Makks made significant contributions to Brazil's cultural and religious art scene. They collaborated on murals and ceiling paintings in fourteen Catholic cathedrals, churches, and basilicas across the country. Notably, their work "Coronation of Our Lady" in the Cathedral of Manaus spans 2,349 square feet, making it the largest single-theme ceiling painting in the world. This monumental project took two years to complete under challenging conditions, including working 60 to 100 feet above the ground in stifling heat with limited light. ​

From 1958 to 1962, the Makks were designated as the Official Artists of the Brazilian government. During this period, they painted portraits of government officials and created murals for various institutions. Their collaborative style became so seamless that their works were signed "Casal Makk," Portuguese for "Makk couple," symbolizing their unified artistic identity. ​

Amazon Expedition

Between 1957 and 1959, the Makks embarked on a government-sponsored expedition into the Amazon rainforest to document indigenous tribes through art. Accompanied by their 8-year-old son A.B. and a pet ocelot named "Cica," they traveled over 1,000 miles by foot, riverboat, canoe, small plane, and helicopter. They faced numerous hardships, including navigating without roads, frequent rains, and insect bites. Some tribes were apprehensive about being depicted, believing it could steal their souls, so the Makks often resorted to simple sketches. Their experiences culminated in approximately 70 paintings, some of which were later exhibited at the Brazilian consulate in Miami in 1969. ​

Last Destination: Hawaii

In 1967, after decades of travel, transformation, and artistic acclaim across Europe, South America, and the mainland United States, the Makk family arrived in Hawaii—and instantly knew they had found home. What began as a brief visit became a life-changing decision. The tranquil beauty of the islands, the warmth of the local people, and the vibrant energy of the land spoke to their spirits. The tropical climate was also a healing choice for Americo’s health, adding another layer of purpose to the move. Once settled on Oahu, the family's work blossomed with new inspiration. Hawaiian landscapes, people, and culture began to fill their canvases, capturing both the physical beauty and deeper essence of the islands. Over the years, they became beloved figures in the local art community, exhibiting widely and enriching the cultural fabric of Hawaii. It was here—surrounded by sea, sky, and aloha—that the Makk family created their most emotionally resonant work and firmly rooted their legacy as Hawaii’s First Family of Art.