Non-blind walls: sensing (and seeing through) decoration in hungarian schools

Abstract

Questions of the role and interpretation of art integrated into the fabric of educational institutions are explored here. Using six case studies taken from Hungarian schools built between 1900 and 1931 issues are raised concerning the ‘curricular’ and aesthetic nature of the works. Particular attention is drawn to how the art may be perceived, especially when, as in the two principal cases, it is created for schools for the visually impaired. To this end the selection of media ranges from stained glass to mosaic via painting, carving and ironwork, and the locations range from assembly halls to facades via staircases and doors. The political, religious and secular signs expressed are analysed against the backdrop of educational reform and social rupture. The generic subject of ‘the decorated school’ has been much debated since the introduction of mass education, yet there exists precious little academic study. The choice of the Hungarian examples acknowledges the wealth of material and diversity of ways in which artwork in schools can be read or, better, ‘sensed’. Ultimately, caution is advised.

Keywords

• arte
• hungría
• percepción
• sentido
• ceguera
• infancia