Dante XXI was a three-day art event organized by the Gabor M Szoke Studio and CAFe Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival. The name of the event was not random: visitors could get a glimpse into Gábor Miklós Szőke’s imaginary world inspired by his late Doberman, Dante; it took place on the island of Csepel between Buda and Pest in the 21st district of the city; and it was an ode to contemporary 21st century culinary and visual arts. During the three days, exhibitions, gastronomic and family programs awaited the visitors.
Grand opening of the Gabor M Szoke Studio
Dante XXI was the first official opening of the Gabor M Szoke Studio. It was opened by Teodóra Bán, CEO of the Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre (BFTK); the patron of DANTE XXI, Lénárd Borbély, mayor of Csepel; and Gábor Miklós Szőke, who took art professionals and members of the media around his exhibition.
Exclusive guided tours of the Dante XXI exhibition
During the three days, Gábor Miklós Szőke held daily guided tours of his studio. He acquainted visitors with the history of the former Weiss Manfréd Steel and Metal Works, and his personal story of finding a new creative space for his work. Select sculptures were put on display, and his actual work shop and warehouses were also open to the public.
Culinary events
The golden age of the Weiss Manfréd steel and metal Works: nostalgic brunch with Rozina Wossala
A Danteist lunch was hosted by Hungarian chef, restauranteur, and television personality, Rozina Wossala, and Gábor Miklós Szőke. They endeavored to reinterpret the most popular dishes of the golden age of the Weiss Manfréd Steel and Metal Works with a danteist twist. The three-hour culinary time travel was complemented by music and video footage of the period.
Open studio programs and work shops for children and families
The organizers of Dante XXI also thought of the little ones. A Sunday afternoon arts and crafts work shop entertained the children, while parents could join one of Gábor Miklós Szőke’s guided tours of the Dante XXI exhibition. Young fans of the artist could recreate his sculptures in the medium of glitter tattoos, plaster-cast Dante masks, and stained glass.