Autumn of Budapest – Hungarian Contemporary Art Exhibition Opens in Chongqing

Chongqing - The latest activity of the 2023 Western China Hungarian Cultural Festival: Autumn of Budapest, "The Journey: János Fajó and the Pesti Workshop" exhibition kicked off on November 7 at Chongqing Art Museum.

More than 50 works on display in this exhibition cover oil paintings, prints, and other types. The works are rich in connotation, experimental, and of extremely high artistic value, reflecting the contemporary style and unique artistic characteristics of Hungarian contemporary painting. 

Jakab István, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, said in his speech: "The paintings of six Hungarian artists exhibited here unveil the history of art and expression not only in Hungary but also in Europe and even the world; (it's) a new chapter."

"Art is often the best way to understand a people, a country, and a culture," he added. "That is why today's event is so important. We Hungarians have the opportunity to open our souls to our Chinese friends. I hope that through this exhibition, we can further deepen the friendship between the two countries and peoples, and I also hope that our Chinese friends will like the artworks on display here!"

Chongqing is a national historical and cultural city, an economic, financial, scientific, and technological innovation, shipping and trade logistics center in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River; an important connection point between the Belt and Road and the Yangtze River Economic Belt; and an inland openness highland. Hungary is the first European country to join the Belt and Road Initiative, and the economic and cultural exchanges between China and Hungary have become increasingly close.

In recent years, Chongqing Art Museum has held the "Hungarian Contemporary Art Exhibition" and "the 9th Western China Hungarian Cultural Festival: Spring of Budapest" in 2018 and 2020, respectively. As a platform for cultural and artistic exchanges between Chongqing and Hungary, the Chongqing Art Museum opens a window for the general audience to understand Hungarian art. 

Wang Farong, General Director of Chongqing Art Museum, said in his speech: "I hope that taking this exhibition as an opportunity, Hungary and Chongqing Art Museum can continue to deepen cooperation, jointly build an artistic high ground, and work together to write a new chapter in the development of art and culture in both places."

Péter Bozó, CEO at MNB Ingatlan (Real Estate, LLC of National Bank of Hungary), the representative of the Central Bank of Hungary, delivered a speech as co-sponsor. "China is one of Hungary's most important partner countries and should become a significant stop for promoting our culture and art," he said.

"As we all know, China has modern, high-level art museums and galleries, as well as a cultural tradition of advocating art. This is even more reason for us to decide to bring this traveling exhibition from Hungary to China. Chongqing Art Museum is one of the most important museums in western China, and Chongqing is a leader in practical cooperation between Hungary and China. I hope this exhibition, as a prelude and overture, can bring more cultural feasts to Chongqing citizens and friends on the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China relations next year."