Launched on September 11th on a somewhat smaller scale than last year’s display, the ARC exhibition continues to be a popular visual platform where independent creative thinkers, culture lovers, and opinion-shapers – as well as private individuals, companies, and institutions committed to promoting social issues – can react to certain themes by expressing their thoughts on current affairs. The general topic serving as inspiration for this year's participants is “The Hungarian Dream”.
This year’s exhibition features 94 posters selected from a total of 1,100 works submitted; 80 of them are displayed on gigantic billboards. Just as in previous years, topical political and social issues are once again in the spotlight. The posters showcase a wide range of intriguing snapshots about politicians, refugee issues, memorable moments from public life, and important worldviews, which are not always easy to understand.
Along with the more complicated messages, the posters also tell important stories about Budapest: one of the images is a colorful protest against the closing of the popular outdoor hangout Kertem.
The jury awarded its prestigious main prize to Orsolya Kelemen’s poignant creation titled Magyar Feeling, inspired by the image of a mother jumping over the fence built on Hungary’s southern border with her baby in her arms – as though this is an image promoting Budapest’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games.
Sándor Faragó came in second with Merj nagyon álmodni! (Dare to Dream Big!), which recalls a recent incident when a Budapest bus driver unsuccessfully attempted a U-turn in the middle of Margaret Bridge. (This one is definitely our favorite.)
In third place is Ferenc Kiss and his posterIsmeretlen festő (Unknown Painter), which displays the artist's reflection on the first anti-refugee poster campaign of the Hungarian government.
The exhibition is on view through September 27th, awaiting visitors free of charge 24 hours a day.
