The exhibition interprets the five books of Moses through the works of contemporary Hungarian artists from the perspective of 21st-century man.

It aims to draw visitors’ attention not only to the well-known scenes of the Old Testament but also to their specific interpretations and topicalities.

Four years ago, MODEM presented the exhibition Evangelium 21, which highlighted twelve messages from the four Gospels of the New Testament.

The exhibition “Origin,” which deals with the foundations of Christian and Jewish culture, now reflects on this. The works are part of Levente Kovács’ private collection.

Similar to “Evangelium 21,” twelve artists who have previously worked with religious themes were asked to realise the exhibition. The artists created their works in collaboration with theologian József Zsengellér, so the paintings, installations, graphics, animations, and photographs came together to form a coordinated artistic ensemble.

The collection pieces, in addition to their unique message, focus on modern man in interpreting archaic texts. Using contemporary artistic tools, they try to find an answer to how 21st-century man can be addressed through the birth of the world and the story of the first human couple through sacrifices and moral questions.

The “Origin” collection was previously presented in Rome. In Hungary, the twelve works are displayed together for the first time at MODEM. 

Visitors to the exhibition can view the works in biblical order, from the world’s creation to the arrival in the Promised Land.

Levente Kovács, curated by Zsolt Petrányi, is the mastermind of the exhibition and the creator of the collection.

Exhibiting artists are Zsolt Asztalos, Mária Chilf, Márta Czene, Gábor Gerhes, Gyula Július, Éva Magyarósi, Erik Mátrai, Sándor Rácmolnár, Eszter Szabó, Ágnes Uray-Szépfalvi, Ákos Wechter and Éva Boglárka Zellei.

Date: 8 February – 25 May

Location: MODEM