Central Bank presents a selection of its contemporary art collection in New York

An exhibition of works from the Hungarian National Bank’s (MNB) contemporary art collection opened in New York City’s art district on Saturday and will be on display for a month.

In the Friedman Gallery The Manhattan area hosts a Hungarian art exhibition called “Abstract Narratives“, which includes works by Zsófia Barabás, Márton Nemes, Judit Reigl, Róbert Batykó, István Felsmann, Erika Fábián and Anthony Vasquesz.

At the opening ceremony, MNB Vice-President Barnabás Virág pointed out that the central bank – in line with the practice of other national banks – established its own collection of contemporary art in 2020, which now contains 1,400 works and also includes world-renowned works. Hungarian artists.

Bringing the selection to New York is an important step after selections from MNB’s collection have been shown in 14 cities across Europe and Asia,

he said.

Kinga Hamvai, artistic director of the Hungarian Contemporary Art Collection (MNB Arts & Culture), pointed out at the opening that the collection brought to New York includes works by artists from several generations. She explained that MNB Arts & Culture aims to increase the visibility of Hungarian artists and the Hungarian art scene. The director recalled that, parallel to the exhibition in New York, the MNB is also represented by a selection of works in two cities in Turkey, Istanbul and Ankara.

Zsolt Petrányi, deputy general director of the Museum of Fine Arts, said at the opening of the exhibition, which also showcases the Central Bank’s art promotion activities, that the selection

seeks to emphasize the uniqueness of Hungarian art in an international context by drawing attention to the personal motivations and technical innovations behind the paintings.”

The expert, who is also the head of the Contemporary Collection of the Hungarian National Gallery, said that the works on display also reflect the views of the different generations, which is important due to a new technology based incentive in the 21st century.

Csenge Palotai, director of the Liszt Institute New York, as co-organizer confirmed that the collaboration with MNB Arts & Culture and the design of the exhibition was a milestone for the Hungarian cultural institute in New York. She also confirmed that the selection includes works by Hungarian artists who are well-known and respected in the American capital.

The selection of contemporary Hungarian art will be on display for a month at the Fridman Gallery in Manhattan, New York. On November 12, Zsófia Barabás will give a personal tour called “Artist Talk,” and the Liszt Institute New York will also organize several tours.

Budapest Contemporary offers a comprehensive picture of contemporary art