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
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
National identity in the visual arts (2): ‘the Long Century’
Prior to 1945, Hungary exhibited an exaggerated nationalism the reflected historical developments and the traditional nation-state narrative in certain symbols and artistic representations, traces of which can still be found … Continue reading
National identity in the Hungarian visual arts (1): situating oneself in the historic context
Before one can begin to understand how contemporary art relates to and represents Hungarian national identity today, one must situate oneself in the historic context of art and nationalism in … Continue reading
The Birth of Fine Arts
The Shepherdess (The Birth of Fine Art) by István Ferenczy is an example of iconic Hungarian 19th c. artwork. Done in a neo-classical style after being trained abroad, the Hungarian … Continue reading
Emblems of the Nation
“Istvan Ferenczy, Henrik Weber, Karoly Marko and Miklos Izso left us emblematic representations of the 19th century image of the nation. Along with them, they conferred the task of inquiring … Continue reading
Context & Identity in Contemporary Hungarian Art 