Szeged’s 43rd Summer Exhibition opened with more than 150 works on display

NewsCulture

May 22

The 43rd Szeged Summer Exhibition opened last week at the historic Reök Palace, presenting more than 150 works selected from over 1,100 submissions by Hungarian visual artists.

The annual exhibition – hosted by the Regional Centre for the Arts (REÖK) since 2009 – offers a comprehensive snapshot of contemporary Hungarian visual art across disciplines. The show runs through June 29.

At the opening ceremony, several artists were honored with awards selected by a three-member professional jury. Péter Zoltán Öllinger received the Hunguest Hotel Szeged Award for his graphic work Villanatok. Szilárd Cseke received REÖK’s own award for his works Sorrento and The Square-Cornered Round Forest, along with an invitation to hold a solo exhibition at the palace.

The Municipality of Szeged recognized György Zoltán Ezüst for his painting Boats, while the Hungarian Academy of Arts presented its special jury prize to visual artist aatoth franyó for the Aquarelle series. Glass sculptor Péter Botos received the Ministry of Culture and Innovation Award for his works Spherical Cross in Yellow and Blue and Cubes with a Black Prism.

The exhibition opened with remarks from Szeged National Theatre Director General László Barnák and REÖK Chief Curator Dr. Róbert Nátyi, who praised the show’s diversity and the contributions of both emerging and veteran artists. Professor Dr. Zoltán Gyenge, dean of the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, officially opened the exhibition, emphasizing the cultural importance of art in today’s world.

A public vote is also underway for a People’s Choice Award. Visitors can cast ballots – available in Hungarian and English – at the exhibition venue.

The Szeged Summer Exhibition remains one of Hungary’s most significant contemporary art events, offering a platform for creative expression and artistic dialogue.