„A mi kultúránk nem lehet más itthon, mint külföldön.” Kassák Lajos 1960-as párizsi kiállítása

Abstract

Abstract The study presents a case that can be taken as a model of the political conception of the publicity of art in post-1956 Hungary. It is related to Lajos Kassak, the emblematic figure of progressive Hungarian art from the 1910s, who was tolerated by the Kadarian regime as a writer but rejected as an artist. The paper explores the problems of presenting Hungarian art abroad from an angle of art policy. In February 1960 a noted gallery owner in Paris, Denise Rene wished to exhibit Lajos Kassak's works. According to regulations, the permits of the Ministry of Culture and the Hungarian National Bank had to be obtained for the transportation of the pictures abroad. The Bank permit covered both taking the pictures out of the country and selling them. The process of obtaining permission was administered by the Hungarian National Gallery, as no private person was allowed to exhibit abroad without an institutional background. Kassak being a universally respected personage of the Hungarian art scene, it appe...