Budapest Select - A Woven View: Celebrating Hungarian Creativity at Milan Design Week

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) is set to showcase “Budapest Select – A VVoven View” at Milan Design Week, celebrating the convergence of tradition and innovation in contemporary Hungarian design. This immersive exhibition explores the evolving relationship between human craftsmanship and artificial intelligence, while highlighting the ingenuity of Hungarian artists and designers.

“Budapest Select – A VVoven View” features the work of 24 Hungarian creatives, bringing together traditional craftsmanship, technological advancements, and sustainable design practices. The exhibition unfolds across three distinct spaces: one dedicated to traditional materials, another to cutting-edge technology, and a third where these elements merge. These contrasting perspectives create a dynamic dialogue that reflects Hungary’s creative heritage and its forward-thinking approach to design.

A striking feature of the exhibition is the installation of floating white paper sheets, symbolising purity and infinite creative possibilities. These sheets represent the relationship between artists and AI, where AI serves as both a tool and a collaborator. The exchange between machine intelligence and human intuition is evident as AI-generated concepts are refined, challenged, and transformed by human creativity.

Artists intentionally alter textual elements in the exhibition, highlighting the role of human interpretation in the creative process. Handwoven threads draw attention to specific passages, emphasising that AI is a facilitator rather than a replacement for human insight and artistic judgment.

At the core of the exhibition lies the unique Hungarian approach to design. Rooted in flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness, this philosophy sees the reinterpretation of tradition through a modern lens. The exhibition underscores the harmony between sustainability and technological innovation, with designers incorporating natural and recycled materials alongside digital manufacturing processes and AI-driven design methods. The exhibition also explores the intersection of organic and technological worlds. One section showcases handcrafted objects made from locally sourced materials, while another highlights the use of digital tools and algorithm-driven designs. This duality creates a space where sustainability and technology reinforce each other, sparking conversation on the evolving relationship between heritage and progress.

“Budapest Select – A VVoven View” serves as a platform for global discourse on the future of design. By presenting the work of Hungarian creators, the exhibition introduces international audiences to a philosophy where human craftsmanship and artificial intelligence coexist, redefining creative boundaries.

In addition to the exhibition, a range of cultural events will complement the experience. From guided tours and illustration workshops to folk performances and wine tastings, these activities provide visitors with a deeper exploration of Hungarian creativity.
The exhibition will take place at AO1 (Via Santa Marta 21), in the 5VIE district, and will be open from 7 April to 13 April 2025.

Opening hours:
• Mon, 7 April: 12:00 – 19:00
• Tue, 8 April: 10:00 – 19:00
• Wed, 9 April: 10:00 – 18:00
• Thu, 10 April: 10:00 – 21:00
• Fri, 11 April – Sun 13 April: 10:00 – 19:00

Programme Highlights:
• Thu, 10 April: 11:00 – 14:00 & 15:00 – 19:00: Interactive illustration workshop, where visitors can collaborate on large-scale cityscape artworks inspired by Budapest’s iconic tram line number 2.
• Fri, 11 April: 10:00 – 17:00: Traditional Hungarian egg painting demonstration, celebrating Easter traditions. 15:00 – 19:00: Wine tasting showcasing a curated selection of Hungarian wines with a design focus.

About HFDA
The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) was established in 2018 to support Hungary’s fashion and design industries. Through initiatives like the Budapest Central European Fashion Week and the Budapest Design Week, HFDA has provided Hungarian designers with international platforms to showcase their work. The agency also focuses on professional development, mentoring programs, and enhancing Hungary’s trade opportunities in global markets.

More Information: hfda.hu/en/articles/budapest-s[…]tm_campaign=mdw

Last updated: 01/04/25