Fruits of Discord - Portraying the Ottoman Presence

The exhibition uses selected examples of rich cultural exchange to explore the period of Ottoman expansion in the Kingdom of Hungary, as well as the reciprocal influences—particularly the ways in which Ottoman material culture permeated and shaped Central European art.
The works on display are diverse in nature: from paintings, prints, books, and textiles to architectural models, morions, and weaponry...

The curatorial and spatial concept aims to deliver a bold, minimalist, yet experientially compelling installation.
The collection is notably heterogeneous—not only in terms of the types and functions of the objects, but also in the narratives of their cultural-historical transmission and the diversity of their institutional origins.

In response to the specific spatial context of the gallery, we chose to work with atmosphere, emotional resonance, and immersive design.

As both material and metaphor, textile became the exhibition’s central medium and conceptual thread. It reflects the strong influence of Ottoman aesthetics and craftsmanship on Central European visual culture.

Through its tactile qualities, spatial flexibility, and cultural symbolism, fabric serves as a connective tissue—bridging themes, creating layered spatial narratives, and forming environments that invite exploration. Its use in the exhibition design goes beyond decoration: it structures space, defines rhythm, and supports the storytelling.This curatorial and design approach allows the exhibited works to be perceived outside of a traditional museological framework—enabling new dialogues between object, viewer, and context.

Beyond the professional and creative challenge, this project has been a profound and formative experience for our entire team—on human, emotional, and artistic levels.