Restraint and elegance. Optical illusion and contemplative works. The simple visual expression of geometric systems. The square as the foundation of art.
The latest selection from the Modern Picture Gallery – László Vass Collection explores these ideas through the most significant French representatives of constructive and concrete art, as well as abstract geometric movements.
Selection from the French Fine Arts Collection of the Vass László Collection
Opening speech by Gyula Porga, Mayor of the City of Veszprém.
The exhibition will be presented by art collector László Vass and Bernadett Grászli, Director of the House of Arts Veszprém.
On view: April 12 – August 2, 2026
László Vass, master shoemaker and creator of the world-renowned Vass Shoes, is today rightly considered one of Hungary’s most significant art collectors. His collection, primarily focused on constructive tendencies, has continuously expanded with works and artistic phenomena of postwar constructivist, minimalist, concrete, and conceptual art, including pieces by internationally acclaimed artists.
The earliest works of the collection — now comprising approximately 650 artworks — were acquired in the 1970s. The collection was first presented in 1999 at the Csikász Gallery in Veszprém. At that time, the idea emerged to establish a permanent exhibition in Veszprém drawn from the collection. The long-term loan agreement between the municipal government and László Vass was signed 25 years ago, in 2001.
The current Modern Art Gallery was created by merging three separate buildings into a unified space. Architect Gábor Turányi and his collaborators transformed the structurally diverse buildings from different historical periods into a gallery environment suited both to the historic castle district and to the spirit of the abstract collection, successfully addressing the complex architectural challenges involved.
The first permanent exhibition of the Vass Collection opened in June 2003 in the new Veszprém venue. Over the past 23 years, the Modern Art Gallery has hosted numerous exhibitions of international significance, including presentations of works by Max Bill, Bernar Venet, and Dóra Maurer. Continuing the presentation of the international collection by national focus, this exhibition highlights artists connected to France.
Restraint and elegance. Optical illusion and contemplative works. The simple visual expression of geometric systems. The square as a fundamental element of art.
Along these concepts, the latest selection of the Modern Art Gallery – Vass László Collection explores the most significant French representatives of constructive and concrete art as well as abstract geometric tendencies.
The exhibition features works by Charles Bézie, Gaël Bourmaud, Geneviève Claisse, Daniel de Spirt, Jean Dewasne, Jean-Michel Gasquet, Jean Gorin, Julije Knifer, Henri Prosi, Yves Popet, Aurélie Nemours, François Morellet, Jean-François Dubreuil, Bernar Venet, and Jean Tinguely. The exhibition is complemented by works of Hungarian-born artists who lived in Paris — Vera Molnár, Katalin Hetey, Tamás Konok, Márta Pán — as well as by works of Victor Vasarely, born 120 years ago.
