Ex­hib­i­tion of the XXIX. Bori Kisjankó Nee­dle­work Con­test

The XXIX. edition of the nationwide Bori Kisjankó Needlework Contest in 2019 received outstanding submissions from participating artists across the Carpathian Basin. Such interest offers undeniable proof that the oldest needlework contest has not lost any of its luster; on the contrary, it shows that the competition remains constantly actual through the creative artwork of talented needlework artists. 

Most of the artworks submitted were household and public space textile works. These submissions essentially represent the incredible richness and variety that is typical to the traditional needlework heritage of the Carpathian Basin. The jury received outstanding household and clerical textile works featuring noble needlework techniques; all of these captivating creations exude perfect technical execution and elegance. Apart from the award-winning, topic-of-choice needleworks featuring traditional elements of Hövely, Rábaköz, Agyagfalva and Hódmezővásárhely techniques, we also have to recognize modern curious textile works, often featuring modern colors and patterns, using Matyó and Palóc needlework elements. The selection also includes several fibre-counting and fiberizing needleworks - artworks featuring elements of Balatonfelvidék, Bodony, Zoborvidék, Mezőberény, Bereg, Rábaköz, Sárköz, Kalotaszeg, Szász etc. techniques are not only exceptional due to their flawless technical execution, but also thanks to the modern patterns, extreme richness of pattern variations, and individual or unique solutions down to the smallest details.
In the slightly less popular category of clothing & accessories, the submissions included, apart from curious and technically flawless traditional clothing - represented by Zoborvidék costumes -, exceptional samples of rethinking Hövely needlework techniques by their decorative and modern use on formal clothing. The accessories exhibited offer several modern ideas; novelties mostly included the simultaneous use of other traditional handicraft techniques, invented at the same time as needlework, during the creative artistic process. As an example, we could definitely mention the belt collection and bags featuring Sárköz and Bereg cross-stitch patterns, where the simultaneous use of needlework and beading adds a unique touch to modern designer pieces. 
 

Submissions received have once again offered proof of all the possibilities related to preserving and rethinking our traditional needlework heritage thanks to our determined, talented and creative designers.