Szilágyi András (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 27. (Budapest, 2009)
Events 2008
Zsuzsa Pereli, Distinguished and Excellent Artist of the Republic of Hungary, Munkácsy Prize winner is one of the key figures in revitalizing the art of contemporary tapestry in Hungary. Her work represents a respect for tradition and a desire for new forms at the same time. The retrospective exhibition titled Life, Image, Narrative of the 60-year-old artist was organized in the museum. Organized by the Department of Textile and coordinated by chief restorer Katalin E. Nagy, the show was on view between May 22 and September 14. At the opening ceremony, writer Péter Müller gave a speech, and art historian Márta Kovalovszky, and expert on contemporary textile arts, introduced the artist and the works on view. In cooperation with the Museum of Applied Arts, KOGART (Gábor Kovács Foundation for the Arts) published a catalogue, which was written by Réka Semsey and presents the work of Pereli arranged in thematic groups. The catalogue is introduced by the study of Eva Forgács. Published in Hungarian and English, the English edition is titled: Life-Image-Narrative. Zsuzsa Péreli: An exhibition of her life's work at the Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest 2008. The Cultural Centre of the Matthias Church, the Incoronata, organized the week of sacral arts for the first time in 2007. During this event several museums, cultural and ecclesiastical institutions awaited visitors with exhibitions, concerts and various other events. The success of the event led to its continuation in 2008 as well. For this occasion, a small exhibition titled "Book of Books" was organized by Györgyi Nagy, showing 17-18 t h century biblical books from the collection of the Department of Minor Arts and the Serbian Orthodox Art Collection in Szentendre. The exhibition also coincided with the Year of the Bible, declared by the Hungarian Catholic Conference of Bishops, together with the protestant churches. On September 20, Miklós Blanckenstein, papal legate gave a speech and opened the exhibition, followed by a concert of the Pro Musica girl's choir from Nyíregyháza, conducted by Dénes Szabó. The first week of October was dedicated to events and exhibitions organized in the framework of the Design Week. The exhibition Taste MOMEnts (Design served to your taste) was organized by the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Budapest and opened by its rector, Gábor Kopek. The travelling exhibition of the University - which was previously shown at design festivals in Helsinki, Berlin and London - showcased the most progressive works of young Hungarian contemporary designers. The 27 young designers - among them graphic artists, photographers, animation artists, fashion-, jewellery, and object designers presented their works in an unusual installation, on a long table set to the tune of contemporary design. Curated by Rita Halasi, the director of the Ponton gallery of MOME, and assisted by Gábor Major, the exhibition was on view from October 5 to 25, and was accompanied by an Englishlanguage catalogue. Also during the Design Week, a large fashion show was organized in the museum, also presenting clothes by several designers included in the Taste MOMEnts show. Debuting at this occasion, the coffee shop of the museum was rearranged, presenting new furniture by a number of Hungarian contemporary furniture designers. The Hungarian Design Award 2008 was also presented in the Museum of Applied Arts, and the exhibition showing the winning and merited works was shown in the ground floor gallery. This exhibition, organized by the Hungarian Design Council and 187
