Prepare to see the ordinary in an entirely new light! A captivating Hungarian design exhibition is currently on display, aiming to reveal the profound beauty and artistic merit hidden within the everyday objects that surround us. This isn't just about furniture or gadgets; it's a journey into how design elevates the mundane to the magnificent.
At the m21 Gallery, nestled within the vibrant Zsolnay Cultural Quarter in Pécs, an exhibition titled 'Design Icons - Yesterday and Today' is bringing together a fascinating dialogue between the past, present, and future of design. The core message, as articulated by Valéria Fekete, the artistic director of the Pécs Galleries, is that objects can transcend mere functionality to become powerful expressions of aesthetics. It's a compelling argument that the things we use daily can, and should, be beautiful as well as useful.
But here's where it gets truly exciting: the exhibition isn't just showcasing Hungarian talent. It features an impressive lineup of world-renowned artists and designers whose names are synonymous with innovation and iconic style. Imagine standing before pieces by visionaries like Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, and even the surreal genius Salvador Dalí! Fekete specifically highlighted Dalí's 'Objet Inutile,' a piece commissioned by Alessi back in 1971, as a central, almost iconic element of the entire show. This particular work exemplifies the exhibition's theme by questioning the very purpose and form of an object.
And this is the part most people miss: the exhibition delves deep into design history by including pieces from the esteemed museum collection of VA Design Studio. You'll find works by masters such as Marcel Breuer, Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray, Gerrit Rietveld, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and also the distinctive postmodern creations of Borek Sipek and the enduringly chic designs of Philippe Starck from the 1990s.
The curators passionately believe that design isn't a static historical record but a dynamic, living conversation. This exhibition serves as a testament to that belief, presenting a seamless blend of historical design landmarks, cutting-edge contemporary trends, and speculative visions for what design might become. By bringing these diverse elements together in Pécs, visitors are invited to forge their own connections and interpretations of these influential objects.
So, is an object truly 'designed' if it serves no practical purpose? The 'Objet Inutile' certainly sparks this debate! 'Design Icons - Yesterday and Today' is running at the m21 Gallery in Pécs until March 1, 2026. What everyday object do you think deserves to be elevated to 'icon' status, and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
