Defining This Project’s Focus
I initially conceived of this project as dealing with national identity and how it was being represented in the wake of self-rule, democracy, EU membership. Years ago in New York, while researching … Continue reading
National identity in the visual arts (5): current situation
Today, one can point to many positive indicators that stability and growth in the arts, which have promoted the freedom to explore different styles in a Western and local way … Continue reading
National identity in the visual arts (4): the aftermath of 1989
In 1989, Hungary became its own democratic, capitalist nation, and its art scene—hitherto restricted but state-supported—was thrown into the wilderness to fend for itself. And it did. Some of the … Continue reading
Meeting with Szabolcs KissPál
I had trouble catching up with Szabolcs KissPál because he was very busy in December with the Free Artists (Szabad Művészek) protests against the recent political changes to the cultural scene. … Continue reading
National identity in the visual arts (3): the Soviet Era
The visual arts and national identity were radically twisted and shaped by the oppressive political environment of the Soviet Regime. The Soviet Army initially entered Hungary to liberate it from … Continue reading
Context & Identity in Contemporary Hungarian Art 