The Hungarian Cube
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The Ludwig Museum’s “Little Hungarian Cubology” Exhibition
The Ludwig Museum’s “Little Hungarian Cubology” exhibition, held from June 22 to September 17, 2023, offers a unique and exciting insight into the world of Hungarian art and architecture through the motif of the cube. The exhibition explores the connections between Hungarian avant-garde movements and contemporary art, while highlighting the significance of the cube as a form and symbol in Hungarian culture.
The exhibition’s title, “Little Hungarian Cubology,” is a playful reference to the cube’s geometric simplicity and its role in Hungarian art. The word “cubology” is a neologism created by combining the words “cube” and “logic,” referring to the formal logic of the cube and the creative possibilities discovered by the artists.
The exhibition progresses chronologically from the early 20th century to the present day, showcasing various interpretations and uses of the cube in Hungarian art. In the first rooms of the exhibition, we can see the influence of Hungarian avant-garde movements, such as Constructivism and Bauhaus, on the appearance of the cube motif. The works of Lajos Kassák, László Moholy-Nagy, and Sándor Bortnyik proclaim the geometric purity of the cube and the ideals of modernity.
The next section of the exhibition takes us to the period of Socialist Realism, where the cube appears as a tool of communist ideology. In architecture, the characteristic cubes of panel houses carried the promise of modernity and equality, while in fine art, the cube became a symbol of socialist construction and industrial development.
The exhibition also presents the post-regime change period, where the cube takes on new meanings. Contemporary artists use the cube to reflect on the past, present, and future. The cube motif appears in painting, sculpture, installations, and video art. The last rooms of the exhibition feature works by contemporary artists such as Dóra Maurer, Imre Bak, Ilona Keserü, and Attila Szűcs, who explore the formal possibilities of the cube and offer new interpretations.
The “Little Hungarian Cubology” exhibition not only showcases the diverse appearances of the cube motif in Hungarian art but also reflects on various aspects of Hungarian history and culture. In the exhibition, the cube simultaneously becomes a geometric form, an architectural element, an ideological symbol, and an artistic tool of expression. The curators of the exhibition, Miklós Peternák and Tünde Topor, offer an exciting and thought-provoking journey for visitors through the labyrinth of Hungarian art and culture, where the cube serves as the guiding thread.
In connection with the exhibition, numerous accompanying programs are organized, such as guided tours, lectures, and workshops. These programs provide an opportunity for visitors to delve deeper into the exhibition’s theme and the various aspects of the cube motif.
The Ludwig Museum’s “Little Hungarian Cubology” exhibition offers a unique and exciting experience for those interested in art and culture. The exhibition not only presents the history of Hungarian art but also addresses current social and cultural issues. The cube motif in the exhibition becomes a universal symbol representing the connection between the past, present, and future.
https://www.ludwigmuseum.hu/kiallitas/kis-magyar-kockologia-modernitas-hajlekai-kadar-korszakban