HUNGARY’S AVANTGARDE

Hungary’s history is marked by turbulent events, often linked to the country’s geographical location. Hungarian art, too, has throughout its history been caught in the whirlwinds of geopolitical and international events. As far back as prehistoric times, periods of cultural flourishing have been abruptly interrupted, yet more favorable conditions have soon emerged once again.

Hungary has frequently found itself at the center of events — unfortunately, often amidst dramatic and tragic circumstances. These include, in our own era, the widespread destruction the country suffered during World War II, which of course also impacted its cultural life.

The dramatic events of our century are also reflected in this exhibition of Hungarian art and culture, which has previously been on display in London, Rome, Geneva, Paris, and Budapest, and is now being presented to the Finnish audience. The exhibition demonstrates how Hungarian art, which until the early 20th century was dominated by academic painting and eclectic styles, suddenly experienced a surge of avant-garde influences.

Contemporary art in Hungary emerged roughly around the same time as in Finland but took on more intense forms, partly due to the country’s unique social structure, which differed greatly from that of other European nations. A defining feature of Hungary’s artistic landscape was that many radical artists had to leave the country after the failed revolution of 1919. However, it was through their efforts that the world became aware of Hungary’s modern art.

This exhibition of Hungarian avant-garde art is a link in the cultural exchange agreement between Finland and Hungary. It is widely known that our countries have long maintained especially active cooperation in the field of culture. In the realm of visual arts, it is also worth noting the extensive interaction between Finnish and Hungarian art throughout this century.

The exhibition’s hosts here in Finland wish to express their gratitude to all the institutions and individuals who managed the exhibition arrangements in Hungary. Special thanks are due to Mrs. Gyöngyi Eri, Deputy Director of the National Gallery in Budapest, who oversaw both this exhibition and last year’s Form and Structure exhibition featuring Finnish art in Budapest. We also extend our thanks for the pleasant cooperation with the Hungarian Embassy in Finland, led by Ambassador Dr. Tivadar Matusek, and the newly opened Hungarian Cultural Center in Helsinki, under the direction of Tamás Gáti. Among the Finnish authorities, we wish to thank the Ministry of Education, and finally, we express our appreciation for the efforts of the Finnish Embassy and Ambassador Osmo Väinölä in Budapest in facilitating the exchange of exhibitions between Finland and Hungary.

(Foreword by Bengt von Bonsdorff in the publication “Unkarin Avantgarde: Ryhmä Kahdeksan ja aktivistit)

Translated with ChatGPT