Over the last two decades, the blank canvas of urban Budapest has been brought to life by numerous street artists, some now integral to the city’s underground culture. A new free exhibition at downtown Deák17 Gallery, Budapest Street Archaelogy, collates and showcases the golden era of guerrilla creation. It runs until 17 December.
Unveiled within the framework of Budapest Design Week, Budapest Street Archeology presents the Hungarian take on the international street-art movement over the last 20 years. The most original Hungarian artists and most important projects, artefacts and installations are all featured.
Street art came to Budapest in the 1990s, around the time that the uncrowned king of street art, Banksy, rose to anonymous fame in the UK. Pioneers Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring had already made a splash in New York.
Against this background, the likes of 0036 Mark, the 1000% Group, DTM (Durva Trabantos Matrica), Fat Heat, iamsuzie, Miss KK, Nikon One, RAPA 73, Void and Szárnyas Doboz made their mark in the Hungarian capital over the years.
The fame of guerrilla sculptor Mihály Kolodko was so widespread, he began to earn official commissions from District VII and the Dreher brewery.
Hand in hand with the main exhibition, a show by students of the SZÁMALK-Szalézi Technical School also runs at the Deák17 Gallery. Stand By Me presents the pupils’ most striking graphics and paintings until 30 October.
Exhibition information
Budapest Street Archeology
Deák17 Gallery
1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 17
Open: Until 17 December, Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sun 9am-1pm
Admission: free
