Origin
2025. Feb. 08. - 2025. Apr. 20.
The exhibition Origin, held in the 3rd-floor exhibition space of MODEM, offers contemporary Hungarian artists’ interpretations of the Five Books of Moses, the prehistory of mankind, and the foundations of the value system of cultures shaped by Judaism and Christianity from a 21st-century perspective. The works highlight major themes and essential aspects of these biblical narratives, drawing attention to familiar Old Testament scenes while uncovering their deeper meanings and contemporary relevance. Origin follows Bible 21, a collection presented at MODEM four years ago that explored twelve key messages from the four Gospels of the New Testament through the work of twelve artists in different media.
The exhibited works are drawn from the private collection of Levente Kovács, who, as a dedicated patron of the arts, decided to support the creation of works that can lead today’s viewers to engage with contemporary issues through the lens of biblical stories. What makes the exhibition particularly compelling is that visitors encounter interpretations that encourage them to reflect on and reread the Mosaic books.
To realise works in different media, Levente Kovács and the curator of the project, Zsolt Petrányi, invited artists who had previously explored these themes or expressed interest in doing so. As with Bible 21, the collection consists of works by twelve artists who have approached the subject from diverse perspectives. In addition to the most well-known scenes from the Old Testament—such as Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, the Jacob’s Ladder, the Plagues of Egypt and the Ten Commandments—the artists have also explored other striking aspects of these stories.
The participating artists span multiple generations and are renowned for exhibitions at prominent institutions both in Hungary and abroad. Their work encompasses a broad range of media and themes. Following their invitation to participate in Origin, an extended preparatory process began, during which the artists presented individual research and sketches and discussed these with theologian Professor József Zsengellér. The result is a coordinated yet multifaceted body of work that explores these themes through painting, installation, graphics, photography, and animation. Beyond conveying a unique message, the exhibition examines how archaic texts and traditions of religious representations can be reinterpreted for the 21st century, and how modern audiences can be addressed through stories about the origin of the world, the first human couple, sin, sacrifice, hope, and morality.
After a preview in Rome, Origin now receives its first national exhibition at MODEM, where the full thematic collection will be on display. The 3rd-floor exhibition space enables the works to be arranged in biblical order, allowing visitors to journey through the twelve stories highlighted by the artists, from the creation of the world to the arrival in the Promised Land.
Creative director of the exhibition and creator of the collection: Levente Kovács
Curator: Zsolt Petrányi
Exhibiting artists: Zsolt Asztalos, Mária Chilf, Márta Czene, Gábor Gerhes, Gyula Július, Éva Magyarósi, Erik Mátrai, Sándor Rácmolnár, Eszter Szabó, Ágnes Uray-Szépfalvi, Ákos Wechter, Boglárka Éva Zellei