Slovak National Gallery Opens New Exhibition Amid Controversy Over Curator Appointment

The Slovak National Gallery opened a new exhibition on Thursday titled "Network," featuring works by eastern Slovak artist Adam Szentpétery. The exhibition has drawn attention not primarily for the artist's work, but for its curator Vladimír Beskid, a respected figure in Slovakia's art world. Beskid previously led the Trnava Gallery and served as artistic director for the European Capital of Culture project in Košice in 2013. The appointment has generated controversy within Slovakia's artistic community, with some artists expressing disappointment over the gallery's curatorial choices. Beskid acknowledged the criticism, saying he is "prepared for the hate" his involvement might generate. The Slovak National Gallery, the country's premier art institution, has faced internal tensions in recent years over programming and leadership decisions.