Vision, Gesture, Experiment
Exactly: Hungarian animated art has stepped into a magically numeric age. M. Tóth Éva, the exhibition curator, along with the Műcsarnok, boldly presents this to our great Nation. In tribute, they have installed an exhibition spanning 111 years of Hungarian animation in the three central halls of the magnificent neoclassical building—(1-1-1!). The organizers have taken on quite a challenge. Instead of mainstream animations, they have lined up lesser-known, rebellious works that break the mold—aimed at both animation enthusiasts and those who simply stumble into the museum by chance.
Animation? Okay! But what exactly is auteur animation?!
The exhibition focuses on what is known as auteur animation filmmaking. Simply and concisely put, this is a specialized film genre in which the creator (director or animator) places their individual artistic vision and self-expression at the center. Here, the artist exercises full creative control over the concept, visual style, narrative, and animation technique. BOOM!
Awesome! But what can you actually see at Műcsarnok-Kunsthalle?
In the first impressive hall, with its nearly 17 × 20 meters in size, visitors will lose their breath in the presence of “vision.” The power of creation and vision is what stuns the audience. The exhibition makes exceptional use of the space, delivering a jaw-dropping experience. Here, visitors can marvel at lesser-known works by artists such as Marcell Jankovics, who brought János Vitéz and Son of the White Mare to life for generations.
Vision
However, in the spirit of “vision,” nearly floor-to-ceiling projections in the towering hall showcase the two-minute allegorical tale of human fate, Sisyphus (Sziszüphosz). This minimalist, ink-contour animation powerfully depicts the myth of Sisyphus, whom the Greek gods condemned to an eternity of futile yet intense labor as punishment for gossiping.
Seeing the film at such an immense scale guarantees an unforgettable experience. The protagonist, who struggles in a circular flow despite the hardships, still manages to create a sense of airiness—an airiness that emerges from the merging black-and-white ink lines. It is both calming and cruel at the same time.
Gesture
Moving forward towards “gesture,” the second hall—also of impressive dimensions—offers even more cinematic treasures.
This space is packed with screens, each equipped with two sets of headphones, allowing visitors to share short animated experiences with a companion.
A key note: This exhibition is not designed for children, despite being animation-focused.
For those who don’t believe in miracles, Riportré is a must-see. This 1982 animated film, created by György Kovásznai and Elek Lisziák, showcases society through precisely framed questions, far ahead of its time in terms of style.
This real-life documentary-style animation, capturing Hungary’s society through sociological evergreen questions and natural moments, serves as definitive proof that time has been standing still here for 43 years.
Miracle indeed.
Experiment
In the third hall, titled “Experiment,” visitors can re-enter a state of flow through works such as Ab Ovo, a hypnotic puppet and sand animation created by Ferenc Cakó in 1987. This piece even won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in its time.
There is only one perfect word to describe it: hypnotic.
Vision, Gesture, Experiment—A Bold Summary
This exhibition is a striking summary of Hungarian animation’s lesser-known yet highly distinctive and internationally outstanding artists.
Who is this exhibition for? And how should you experience it?
Aside from children, anyone who enjoys drawn motion pictures—or anyone who’s simply bored and wants to spend their time in a meaningful way.
Though spring is coming and people are eager to get outside, it’s worth visiting in the morning, allowing enough time to fully take in the exhibition. Afterwards, you can head over to Városliget for some beer or spritz and soak in the early spring sunshine.
If it rains, this unique and rare exhibition makes for the perfect date activity, filling you with a sense of jaw dropping Hungarian art pride.
One thing is certain: after walking through the three halls—1 Vision + 1 Gesture + 1 Experiment—the mystical significance of the number three will unfold: completeness and harmony. And it is in this very spirit that the greats of Hungarian auteur animation are presented—within the timeless cycle of art.
Photos:
Original Heti Mocsok products.
