“...I’ve written a poem...” Imre Madách’s Memorial Exhibition
from 19. 9. 2023 to 31. 7. 2024
The Slovak National Museum, in cooperation with the SNM – Museum of Hungarian Culture in Slovakia and the Tradície a hodnoty (Traditions and Values) Civic Association, has prepared an exhibition on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hungarian writer Imre Madách. The project, which represents the inaugural event in a year of activities dedicated to this significant figure of Hungarian culture, is based on Madách’s most significant work, the play in verse entitled The Tragedy of Man. Madách began to write the play on February 17, 1859 in Dolná Strehová, which at that time was part of the Hungarian empire. Set against the background of European history and the disappointment following the revolutionary years of 1848 and 1849, the play is an expression of the futility of moral progress and any struggle for freedom.
This unconventional exhibition with an avant-garde artistic design strives to present the author and in particular, the play, the circumstances of its creation and the independent life it took on as a work of art. The project interprets it in various genres, depictions, and materials in order to appeal to various groups of visitors. Over the course of time, many illustrations were created for the fifteen scenes of this play, from which the exhibition organizers compiled graphic background material. The exhibition also includes the projection of 15 pictures from Ploubuter Park, the film by contemporary artist Endre Koronczi, which was created for this project. Its concept is linked to the Tragedy of Man in that every second of its adaptation of individual scenes corresponds with one section of the play. Through the parallel of the wind and an idea, and the fall and flight of an individual and spirit in the film, the viewer can place oneself in the drama of Madách’s “Man” in the mirror of the present.
The exhibition is presented in three languages and its interactive and educational features strive to enhance the awareness of the general public about the significance of Madách’s works, and to raise awareness about literature, history and fine art through modern museology instruments and the participation of the visitors.
