The GraphicPécs international graphic arts festival, taking place from 7 November to 25 January in Pécs, offers a rich programme of exhibitions, professional talks, book launches, and roundtable discussions for enthusiasts.
In a statement on Wednesday, the event organizer Zsolnay Heritage Management Non-profit Ltd (ZSÖK) recalled that the festival was first held in 2022. This year, as in the previous edition, numerous events and exhibitions await visitors, as the artistic directors Michel Bouvet, Valéria Fekete, and Sándor Pinczehelyi have once again attracted remarkable international talents and works to the festival. According to the statement, the festival’s main event will be the Rock, Pop, Underground exhibition, opening Thursday at the m21 Gallery in the Zsolnay Quarter. Featuring posters, album covers, band logos, comics, and alternative publications, the exhibition will allow visitors to explore the intertwining of geopolitical events and underground movements from the 1950s to the present day.
The rebellious icons of the 1960s and 70s—including The Beatles, The Doors, Bob Dylan, and the Sex Pistols—fought conservatism in search of new paths, promoting the ideals of rock music, sexual freedom, and ecology. These influences, still prevalent in contemporary popular music, will be highlighted. Curators Michel Bouvet and Fanny Laffitte promise visitors an exciting, interactive experience. The exhibition showcases over 1,300 works, reflecting the continually evolving musical and cultural landscape. Complementing this exhibition, the Hungarian Underground 80 show opens Friday at the Pécs Gallery on Széchenyi Square, running until 21 December.
Curator Attila Koszits has selected items from his own archive, documenting the alternative music scene prior to the political transition. Posters, album and cassette covers, documents, photos, videos, and vintage audio players will be on display, alongside a reconstruction of the first local record club, using original materials. This exhibit underscores Pécs as a key centre, alongside Budapest, of Hungary’s underground and neo-avant-garde artistic movements.
As part of the GraphicPécs Festival, a weekend symposium will be held at the m21 Gallery. Themed The Faces of Music in Graphic Design, the symposium will feature lecturers from the University of Pécs, DesignCampus in Győr, and the Metropolitan University of Budapest.
Students from numerous Hungarian and international art institutions submitted original graphic designs inspired by the theme of rock ‘n’ roll, with a professional jury evaluating the top works.
The opening weekend will include curator-led tours, film screenings, and a record fair, offering a full schedule for attendees, as noted in the statement.
Further details regarding the event are available at www.graphicpecs.hu.
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