Marc Chagall and Imre Ámos are artists whose personal histories, religion and Jewish identity played a central role in their oeuvres. Chagall, the old master who survived everything and everyone, and Ámos, the martyr who died young. Their genuine art is deeply rooted in the traditions and history of Eastern Europe, as much as the stories of their lives. One a Russian émigré, the other a martyred Hungarian Jew. The life and art of these two men were shared, despite the fact that they personally only had the chance to meet once, in Paris, on 4th October in 1937, for a few inspired hours.

As if providing a counterpoint to the predominantly cheerful and optimistic art of Chagall is the world of Imre Ámos. The exhibition titled Imre Ámos, the "Hungarian Chagall" - In the Vortex of the War 1937-1944 showcases the artist's most tragic works. The images depicting the Jewish community in Nagykálló, along with the paintings and drawings recording the horrors of the labour service and the war throw light on another, more tragic aspect of Jewish life.

Two destinies in which tradition and religion are made an integral part of the new kind of artistic tradition of modernism. In the joint exhibition showcasing almost the entire Chagall oeuvre and the most significant works by Imre Ámos visitors will encounter the fate of European Jewry - and ultimately the 20th-century history of humankind - presented through the duality of poetry and drama, humour and tragedy, happiness and despair, joy and horror.

On display until 5 January 2014.

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Open: Tue-Sun: 10 am - 6 pm

Source: mng.hu