If you are after smaller-scale and quirky exhibitions in town, read on as we have rounded up some real feasts for the eye. From the timeless strokes of Van Gogh to Siamese twins joined at their moustaches, and charming Hungarian brides – here is how to treat yourself to exciting art in the spring.
1. Hungarian Bride
Three years ago, a Facebook group started collecting material for this exhibition, and the results are stunning. Through 50 love stories and 300 objects, the 500-year history of marriage and women unfolds. Explore magnificent bridal gowns, from regional costumes to white princess sets. And learn about the changing status of women, while tracing how the perception of love has changed from the odd fad to the most important basis for a lasting relationship.
2. Predicting the Past – Photos of the Zohar Studios in Stephen Berkman's Interpretation
A strange story precedes the most bizarre exhibition of the year. The legacy of mid-19th century New York photographer Shimmel Zohar was discovered at an antique market by Stephen Berkman, a researcher on the subject. Thanks to his work, a surreal world opens up before our eyes, as Shimmel Zohar's bizarre portraits and life portraits show us a lady on roller skates, a girl knitting a period condom, and Siamese twins joint at their moustaches.
3. Climbing into Another Skin – The Many Lives of Elsa And Johanna
The exhibition offers an insight into the nearly decade-long joint project of two French photographers, Elsa Parra and Johanna Benaïnous, through three series. The artists tell the fictional stories of fictional women, for whom they meticulously design their environments and then place themselves in fictional roles. But watching the series, it's easy to feel that we are getting a glimpse into intimate moments of real women's fates.
4. Fashion & the City
A bit concentrated, but a wonderful exhibition at the Kiscelli Museum on the last 150 years of fashion in Budapest and the social changes it has represented. The exhibition presents the theme grouped around colours and six major concepts, unfolded through wonderful costumes.
- More information here
- Open until 14 April 2024
5. V.V. Victor Vasarely. 1=2, 2=1
The Vasarely Museum is not short of attractions, even though the permanent collection is currently in residence at the Seoul Arts Center. There are also three exciting exhibitions related to the artist's work. The Morphèmes focuses on the works of Imre Pán, who is known from Lajos Kassák's exhibitions, during his stay in France and his relationship with Vasarely. Initiated by Dóra Maurer, Colours, Numbers explores important concepts in geometric painting such as proportion, rhythm, and quantity. The most exciting exhibition, however, is the V.V. Victor Vasarely. 1=2, 2=1 from the collection of French art collector Bruno Fabre, which is selected from posters created for the artist's exhibitions and spans over forty years.
6. Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Folk Art - Feminine soul, folk forms
The Heritage House is known for its craft programmes and workshops, but few people know that it has an art collection. Now they are presenting this selection, complemented by material from public collections. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the fruitful relationship that links Art Nouveau and Art Deco with folk art. And this relationship could not have come about without the contribution of women artists.
- More information here
- Open until 22 June 2024
7. Rome-Budapest
Take a break from the chilly winter days with an exhibition at the Virág Judit Gallery. Starting on February 22nd, you can learn about the influence of Rome and the Italian capital on 19th- and 20th-century Hungarian painting and culture. Some 100 objects from private collections and public institutions are on display, including works by artists such as Vilmos Aba-Novák, Lajos Gulácsy, Ilona Keserü, Károly Markó, Károly Patkó, Judit Reigl and János Vaszary. The exhibition will be on view for 5 weeks, free of charge in the gallery.
8. Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience
For families with children or those less immersed in culture, the Van Gogh exhibition, launched earlier this month, offers an engaging experience. Utilising multimedia renders the art of this iconic figure easily accessible. Meanwhile, the immersive ambience of the paintings envelops us.
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
