Best of Budapest & Hungary

A hundred art galleries, institutions and other exhibitors from thirty countries on four continents will present their work at the 13th Art Market Budapest (AMB), which will be held from Thursday to Sunday at the Bálna Budapest exhibition center in Budapest, accompanied by an art and art market conference called Inside Art.

    Art Market Budapest goes far beyond an art fair, it aims to be a culture and attitude-shaping platform, raising awareness on topics such as contemporary Roma art, the relationship between design and visual arts, the sustainability of culture or visual culture in the digital age, the founding director of AMB, Attila Ledényi said at a press conference on Wednesday in the Hungarian capital.

    He added that the significance of Art Market goes beyond the boundaries of visual and photographic art in other respects as well. According to international surveys, high-quality cultural offerings are one of the biggest attractions for the high-end travelling public, and AMB and its accompanying events contribute to Budapest's tourist appeal.

    The fair director highlighted the strong presence of galleries from the Far East, including South Korea, China and Japan, and exhibitors from important art markets such as South America, South Africa and the United States.

    Nearly half of the exhibitors represent Hungary, with more than 300 Hungarian artists having the opportunity to show their work in an international context, he stressed.

    The largest exhibition stands this year will be occupied by the Hungarian acb and Erdész Gallery, the Romanian Jecza, the German M Beck and Art Affair and the Colombian Adrian Ibanez Gallery, he noted.

    According to Attila Ledényi, photography is one of the most important outlets for Hungary in the international cultural arena, both for great classical photographers and emerging young artists.

   This is why Art Photo Budapest, the only photography fair in the region, was established a few years ago as the photographic art section of AMB, he added.

   This year, AMB will not focus on the art scene of a guest of honor country, but on contemporary Roma art: the SHUKAR.T International Roma Art Festival will offer a colorful program at the Bálna and at external venues.

   In response to a question from MTI, Attila Ledényi highlighted the centrally located stand of the Godot Gallery, which this year is dedicated to Imre Bukta, one of the most unique contemporary Hungarian painters.

   He added that the sculptures of Áron Majoros will appear in the AMB's public spaces, and drew attention to the works of one of the most important contemporary Hungarian photographers, Anikó Robitz, which will be on display at the Photon Vienna stand.

    Attila Ledényi also highlighted AMB's partner events: 360 Design Budapest is the region's most important design industry showcase, and Liszt Festival is one of Europe's most exciting contemporary art festivals.