The exhibition aims to offer an insight into the recent past of the French art scene through the lens of the winners and nominees of the prestigious Marcel Duchamp Prize, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. This prize initiated by private endeavour has been in partnership since its first steps with the outstanding contemporary art institution, the Centre Pompidou, Paris and holds significant importance in promoting French contemporary art and supporting the nominated artists on their international paths. Over the years, the prize has become one of the most professionally recognized national art awards at a global level.
The selection of the Prize’s Jury includes artists born in France or residing in France, having defined the French scene as the space of their artistic fulfilment. The past years only have reinforced the idea behind the Prize’s concept to draw a snapshot of the multilayered French scene by selecting the most innovative artists. While the curators of the exhibition will delve into the past of the prize following the changes, focus and evolution the French scene has undergone, the emphasis will be on art as an active agent in the process of engagement and as a platform for reinterpretation, negotiation and inclusive participation. The Budapest exhibition intends to present the work of some fifteen artists in different media, reflecting the rich and diverse pool of approaches that have emerged through this quarter of century under the Duchamp Prize’ aura.

The exhibition is on view between 9 April and 24 August.

This exhibition of the Bartók Spring is jointly presented by Müpa Budapest and Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art.