Exploring Eastern European Identity Through Photography at Capa Center

Event Overview

Delve into the complexities of Eastern European identity at the thought-provoking exhibition, “Europeanness – from an Eastern European Perspective,” now open at the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center in Budapest. Running from February 13th to March 30th, 2025, this exhibition offers a unique reflection on European identity through the lens of Polish and Hungarian photographers, exploring shared histories, cultural nuances, and contemporary experiences.

A Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Curated by Wiktoria Michałkiewicz from Poland and Emese Mucsi from Hungary, the exhibition showcases the works of twelve artists – six from each country, including the Pictorial Collective and Sputnik Photos. “Europeanness – from an Eastern European Perspective” aims to create a visual dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries.

Thematic Sections

The exhibition is divided into six sections, each exploring facets of Eastern European identity and experiences, including:

• Legacy of the Past: Reflecting on the post-socialist era and its impact on contemporary life through Sputnik Photos’ “Lost Territories” series.
• Urban Landscape: Examining the role of concrete in the aesthetics and fabric of Eastern European cities, showcased in Katarina Kouzmitcheva’s “Betonium” and Júlia Standovár’s playful “Kinky Concrete”.
• Everyday Life: Offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in Hungary, captured with a touch of magic by Szabolcs Barakonyi in “Thanks, I’m Fine!”.
• Feminine Identity: Exploring themes of female aging and identity in the works of Ilona Szwarc, and the challenges of Roma women facing prejudice in Anita Horváth’s collection.
• Nostalgia: The yearning for bygone eras in Karolina Wojtas and Éva Szombat’s works reflect the longing for the 80s and 90s.
• Spirituality: The works of Simon Zsuzsi and Agnieszka Sejud explore the realm of spirituality in unexpected and evocative ways.

Why Visit

• Engage with compelling photography that challenges perspectives and sparks reflection on identity and belonging.
• Discover the talent of emerging and established artists from Poland and Hungary.
• Explore the nuances of Eastern European identity and its contribution to the broader European narrative.

Special Events

In connection with the exhibition, there is a satellite exhibition at the Polish Institute in Budapest. The Capa Center is also planning several related events including:

• International Conference (March 27th): A conference at the Polish Institute with curators and photography experts discussing Europeanness from an Eastern European perspective.
• Budapest Portfolio Review (March 28-29th): Opportunities for photographers to showcase their work.
• British Journal of Photography Launch (March 28th): The new issue, featuring the Capa Center project and the photography scenes in Poland and Hungary, will be presented.

Location and Details

• Venue: Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, 1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 8.
• Dates: February 13th – March 30th, 2025
• Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 13:00 – 18:00, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00, Monday: Closed

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Eastern European identity through the power of photography at the Capa Center!

Image source: Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center