Photography Exhibition at the Hungarian House of Photography – Mai Manó House
“I am here in the most precious place of my childhood memories, and with a heavy heart I think of the beautiful memories that bind me to this place.” – André Kertész
Thirty years ago, one of the most significant figures of Hungarian and international photography, André Kertész, passed away. His work left a lasting mark on the history of modern photography, influencing generations of photographers and visual artists.
Kertész maintained a deep emotional connection with the village of Szigetbecse, where he spent part of his childhood. The memories associated with this location remained important to him throughout his life and played a role in shaping his photographic vision.
In 1984, he sent 120 original photographs to Hungary and arranged that, after his death, some of his personal belongings and furniture would also be placed in the reconstructed peasant house in Szigetbecse. This building later became the André Kertész Memorial Museum. Visitors to the museum can view facsimile copies of the original photographs on display.
The Exhibition “André Kertész and Szigetbecse”
The exhibition titled “André Kertész and Szigetbecse”, presented at the Hungarian House of Photography – Mai Manó House, pays tribute both to the renowned photographer and to the tradition of preserving his legacy.
The exhibition brings together the 119 surviving Kertész photographs that he left behind, alongside collected films, interviews, documents, books, and printed materials related to his life and work. This carefully curated selection offers visitors a rarely seen overview of the photographer’s legacy and connection to Szigetbecse.
Rare archival materials and photographs
Among the highlights of the exhibition are the original photographs that Kertész donated, accompanied by archival materials that document his life, artistic philosophy, and long relationship with Hungary.
Memories from Kertész’s final visit to Hungary
André Kertész last visited Hungary in 1984. During his twelve-day stay, he met with many prominent members of the Hungarian photographic community. Several of them appear in a portrait film shown in the exhibition, which was filmed in the Sunlight Studio of the Mai Manó House. In the film, photographers recall their meetings with the iconic figure of international photographic history.
Personal captions guiding visitors through the exhibition
A unique feature of the exhibition is the use of captions that contain personal memories connected to the photographs. Through these texts, visitors may feel as if André Kertész himself is guiding them through the gallery of original prints.
Exhibition Information
André Kertész and Szigetbecse – Photography Exhibition
Curators: Károly Kincses and Zsófia Spéder
Dates:
29 May – 4 October 2015
Opening hours:
Daily from 11:00 to 19:00
Venue:
Hungarian House of Photography – Mai Manó House
1065 Budapest, Nagymező Street 20
You may be also interested: André Kertész: The Wisdom of Staying an Amateur and André Kertész: From the Banks of the Danube to Washington Square
