In the grand opening atmosphere at the turn of the millennium, no one expected that the years to come would be filled with restrictions on our freedom, seclusion, and keeping a distance. Yet the new situation could not force anyone to remain idle. So the artists also took action! For graphic art, which is already a sensitive art form, quick to respond to new contexts and reflecting the current level of political, economic and moral transformation by highlighting social challenges, this was an opportunity to make better use of innovative technology to reach the intended target group quickly, given the growing role of social media and international virtual communication platforms, and the presence of artificial intelligence. This has led to the emergence of experimental solutions that are truly unprecedented, and which can be used to successfully jump the ever-rising stimulus threshold. But the material presented here may also provide answers to other questions. It gives us an idea where Hungarian graphic art is heading today, whether its message is truly unique or whether it is becoming integrated into the globalised world of image making. The generation shift is unprecedented – this is another point we wanted to emphasise with this exhibition. I believe that it is also thanks to a successful art education system that the new generation of artists, born into the world of digital tools, are able to present their unique ideas in a distinctive and uncompromising way. The graphic art section of the 2nd National Salon of Applied Arts and Design presents a wide range of the genre: posters, books, publications, image solutions, games, illustrations, typeface design, and other autonomous forms of expression. The different themes are lent different emphases for every artist: experiments and metaphors, which in some cases even reflect an environmental approach. Of course, it is a subjective selection, a cross-section of our time – however, let’s treat it as a snapshot of the genre, i.e. an objective presentation.
Krzysztof Ducki
Ferenczy Noémi Award- winner, Golden Drawing Pin
Lifetime Achievement Prize winner graphic artist