MNB Arts and Culture and the Collegium Hungaricum Berlin present:

"Code + Canvas"

An exhibition from the art collection of the National Bank of Hungary

On February 8, 2023, the exhibition "Code + Canvas: Postdigital Works from the Art Collection of the National Bank of Hungary" opens at Collegium Hungaricum Berlin (CHB). The joint exhibition of MNB Arts and Culture and Collegium Hungaricum Berlin shows a selection of contemporary works from the excellent collection of the Hungarian National Bank.

Details of the exhibition:

• Title: Code + Canvas: Postdigital Works from the Art Collection of the National Bank of Hungary

• Opening: 08.02.2024, 19:00 h

• Duration: 09.02. to 22.03.2024

• Location: Collegium Hungaricum Berlin, Dorotheenstraße 12, 10117 Berlin

The exhibition, curated by Kinga Hamvai and Zsuzska Petró, presents works of art from the excellent art collection of the Hungarian National Bank in Germany for the first time. Works by nine post-digital artists from Hungary will be presented: Róbert Batykó, Martin Góth, Judit Horváth Lóczi, Bea Kusovszky, Márton Nemes, Tomasz Piars, Gergő Szinyova, Ádám Miklós Varga and Orsolya Lia Vető.

Code + Canvas: A reflection of the digital soul

The so-called "digital natives" were literally born into the era of computers, the internet and social media. This has not only fundamentally changed their social relationships, but also their perception of reality. For them, the digital world has become not just a medium, but an integral part of their way of life. "Code + Canvas" provides insights into these perceptions and thus reflects one of the most significant artistic trends of recent years.

From bits to brushstrokes: The art of the post-digital era

The post-digital art movement enables free passage between physical and digital space. The exhibited artists use different strategies to create a balance between the digital and analog worlds. Some of them design their works entirely or partially with digital technologies, which they then combine with traditional imaging techniques. Others explore printing techniques, the reproducibility of images, original and copy, and the complex relationship between man and machine. The exhibition thus not only presents insights into the technological developments and challenges of the post-digital era, but also offers a multifaceted range of forms of expression. From performative gestures of abstract expressionism to diary-like depictions of personal stories and biographical elements, each artistic practice contributes to the diversity and complexity of this emerging art movement.

A century at the intersection of culture and science

The exhibition will be presented at the Collegium Hungaricum Berlin (CHB). Founded in 1924, the institute stands for cultural and scientific exchange between Hungary and Germany. The Hungarian National Bank was also founded in 1924, so 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of both institutions. Dr. Márta Nagy, Director of the CHB comments: "The anniversary exhibition is a tribute to the Collegium Hungaricum's enduring role as a catalyst for cultural exchange and innovation. Over the past hundred years, the institute has repeatedly acted as a mediator for artistic and scientific dialogs. With the "Code + Canvas" exhibition, we are continuing this tradition by building a bridge between the analog and digital art worlds of Hungary in cooperation with the Hungarian National Bank." Kinga Hamvai, curator of the exhibition, adds: "Since the beginning of the establishment of the art collection, the MNB has made it its mission to make the works of the collection, which we consider and treat as part of our national heritage, visible to the general public. Magyar Nemzeti Bank, which turns 100 this year, is proud of its patronage and the link between culture and business. It is a special pleasure that two institutions celebrating their 100th anniversary this year have coincidentally contributed to the design of this exhibition."

Further information can be found at https://culture.hu/de/berlin and https://mnbarts.hu/en/home/

About the Collegium Hungaricum Berlin (CHB):

The CHB has been promoting cultural and academic exchange between Hungary and Germany since 1924. With a focus on contemporary art and culture, the institute's programs are developed in cooperation with Hungarian, German and international partners and institutions.

About MNB Arts and Culture:

MNB Arts & Culture manages the National Bank of Hungary's collection of contemporary art and strives to make it internationally visible. In addition to easy accessibility due to the pandemic digitization, MNB actively relies on cooperation with museums and diverse programs to reach a wide audience.