Thury Lili’s “A Little Sway from the Morning” at the Museum of Ethnography

Thury Lili’s “A Little Sway from the Morning” at the Museum of Ethnography

Experience the intersection of contemporary art, urban life, and community storytelling at the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest with the latest installment of the “Felrajzolt könyvek” (Drawn Books) series. Opening on May 10, 2025, Thury Lili’s site-specific mural, “A Little Sway from the Morning,” transforms the museum’s public space into a visual journey inspired by everyday urban commutes and the rhythms of city life.

Event Details

  • Opening Ceremony: May 10, 2025, at 16:00. Welcome speech by Kiss Kata Dóra.
  • Location: Museum of Ethnography, space in front of the Etknow Bookstore (Damjanich Street entrance), Budapest.
  • Exhibition Duration: The mural will be on display continuously after the opening.

What is “Felrajzolt könyvek”?

“Felrajzolt könyvek” is the Museum of Ethnography’s experimental visual platform, part of the MaDok program. In this unique initiative, contemporary artists are invited to create large-scale drawings directly onto black-painted surfaces within the museum, drawing inspiration from the museum’s own publications. The project offers a fresh perspective on ethnographic research, connecting past and present through visual storytelling.

About Thury Lili’s “A Little Sway from the Morning”

Thury Lili, a Budapest-based freelance graphic artist and graduate of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, brings her expertise in social themes and urban environments to this project. Her mural is inspired by two key works: Marc Augé’s “From Places to Non-Places” and the MaDok booklet “EtnoMobil – Contemporary Culture in Motion.” Both texts explore the complexities of modern urban life, the experience of transit, and the blurred boundaries between personal and impersonal spaces.

The artwork captures the nuanced experience of city commuting, especially through the eyes of a young parent. Thury’s map-like drawing traces the rhythm of daily journeys, blending the objective details of routes and destinations with the subjective emotions and impressions gathered along the way. The result is a psychogeographic map that documents not only the physical act of moving through the city, but also the moods and community connections shaped by the urban environment.

Why Visit This Exhibition?

  • Immersive Art Experience: Witness a living artwork as Thury Lili’s mural grows to become part of the museum’s architecture and community memory.
  • Contemporary Urban Themes: Explore how modern city life, public transportation, and personal identity intersect through visual art.
  • Community Engagement: The project invites visitors to reflect on their own urban journeys, making the experience both personal and collective.
  • Part of an Ongoing Series: Discover previous murals by artists like Eged Enikő, Csáki László, Füredi Tamás, and Petrányi Luca, each offering a unique visual review of ethnographic literature.

About the MaDok Program

The MaDok program, launched by the Museum of Ethnography in 2003, focuses on documenting and preserving contemporary material culture. Through empirical research and public engagement, MaDok bridges the gap between academic study and everyday life, making the museum a living forum for present-day stories and artifacts.

Plan Your Visit

The Museum of Ethnography is easily accessible in Budapest and offers a dynamic program of exhibitions and events. Whether you are an art lover, a student of urban culture, or simply curious about contemporary Hungary, “Felrajzolt könyvek V.” provides a thought-provoking and visually engaging experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see how everyday city life is transformed into art, and become part of Budapest’s evolving cultural story at the Museum of Ethnography.

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Thury Lili’s “A Little Sway from the Morning” at the Museum of Ethnography