Saturday, November 10th saw the Friends of the Ludwig Museum of Budapest travel beyond the Hungarian borders in search of artistic experience. The 29-strong group of intrepid art lovers hired a bus to go to the Austrian capital of Vienna to visit a number of exhibitions. Heading the bill was a mixed-media exhibition, ‘China - Facing Reality', at the MUMOK, the sister museum of Budapest's LUMU, which features three of the most prominent Chinese artists of the moment, Fang Lijun, Yue Minjun and Zhang Xiaogang. The three artists explore the tension between the individual and the collective, between social liberalization and political powerlessness. These works are complemented by some painting, sculpture and multi-media works from lesser known Chinese artists. The overall theme of the exhibition is the social, economic and cultural changes in a contradictory society. Many found this particular exhibition most challenging and thought provoking. The exhibition runs until February 10th, 2008.
The balance of the day trip was spent in the Albertina, at the exhibition ‘Art after 1970,' from the gallery's own collection of Austrian and American artists. The Albertina was also hosting a ‘Monet and Picasso' show, which was roundly enjoyed.
Organised by the Friends of the Ludwig Museum / Eszter Simongáti
