The (Fine) Arts Turn Us Towards Each Other

In his opening speech, the Minister of Defence stressed that “art always speaks of that which belongs to our essence: the desire for beauty, the search of truth, tasks and missions, love and togetherness. It speaks of that which is common in us – in a Korean and a Hungarian. And it also speaks of our particularity. Therefore, art creates a community and turns us toward each other."

Minister Hende pointed out that art and its objects cannot exist without encounters and perceptive humans. This is a great moment. That is why the opening of an exhibition is a huge thing, a real celebration. Meeting new people, new works of art and new cultures is always an act of discovery. The Minister emphasized that he was extremely proud of the fact that the gallery of Stefánia Palace houses this exhibition.

Csaba Hende said that “The history of Korea – just like that of Hungary – is a struggle for freedom. He added that “This does not simply mean that we say no to dictatorship. Rather, it means how we can walk the road to freedom."

The Minister of Defence praised the works of contemporary Korean artists Kim Jeong-Soon, Kang Chan Mo and Kim Jung Hyen as well as the work of guest exhibitor sculptor Péter Párkányi Raab, which combine traditions and modernity in a particular way with original, suggestive colors and perspective.

The patron’s words were supported by Kong Joun Sop, the director of the Korean Cultural Center which operates in addition to the Korean Embassy in Hungary. He said that the exhibition of contemporary Korean artists who gained international fame was a very significant event. The director stressed that the exhibition offers a good opportunity for getting to know each other’s life, spirituality and art, while it will revitalize the relations between the two countries in the long run.

The exhibition which opened in the Kőlovas-room of Stefánia Palace is on view until October 21every day between 10:00 and 18:00.

Photo: Mária Krasznai-Nehrebeczky