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Dezső Szabó is a leading figure in the middle generation of contemporary Hungarian art. In the early years of his career, he was interested in monochrome painting; however, from the mid-1990s onward, his attention shifted toward photographic images and the technical aspects and possibilities involved in their creation.
In his upcoming exhibition titled Phenomenon, which opens in February, he will present several previously unshown works alongside new pieces created specifically for this occasion. This group of works represents a culmination of nearly two decades of his work on modeled spectacles and forms an independent unit within his oeuvre. High Voltage, St Elmo's Fire, and Eruption are large-scale works based on studio recordings of natural phenomena. These will be accompanied by Process, Werk, Studio, Eruption-Inverse, Eruption-Infrared, Eruption Trompe-l'œil, and a video projection (Electric Field), all of which are process (“werk”) in nature to some degree. Also debuting in February is the work of Hungarian-born photographer Ylla (1911-1955), who is internationally renowned for her innovative and unconventional approach to animal photography. Ylla was a pioneer in this field, portraying animals in their natural behaviors and settings, which provided a fresh perspective in the visual representation of animals. Her work departed from the static portraiture popular at the time and, focusing instead on the individual personalities, movements, and emotions of the animals. With their delicate compositions and deep empathy, her photographs set new standards in animal photography and inspired future generations of photographers.

György Pálfi dedicated years of his life to create the photographic collection known as Americana. In this series, the renowned art collector set out to present the true essence of everyday American life through carefully selected depictions of cars. However, the highly focused selection offers more than just a glimpse into the mundane; it also serves as a small cross-section of the history of photography. Debuting in April at the Mai Manó House, the selection will showcase more than sixty photographs, featuring works from both historical and contemporary photographers, including William Eggleston, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander, Joel Meyerowitz, Helmut Newton, Ruth Orkin, Thomas Ruff, and Gregory Crewdson.
Simultaneously, on the second floor, we will present the work of British artist Eleanor Macnair, who uniquely recreates iconic images from the history of photography by making their three-dimensional versions from colored modeling clay. What began as an experimental hobby quickly gained popularity online, leading to her professional recognition. Her creations are inspired by influential figures such as William Eggleston, Cindy Sherman, and Diane Arbus. Various venues, including the Atlas Gallery in London, have exhibited Macnair's clay reliefs. These works, which are crafted from Play-Doh and everyday household items, ultimately exist as photographs because Macnair recycles the reliefs before each new project.

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In summer 2025, we will celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Rogi André, André Kertész’s first wife. With a youthful and passionate creative vision, Rogi made significant contributions to portrait and documentary photography. In the years following World War II, she developed a distinct style, capturing numerous prominent social and political figures as well as key events. Rogi André's works not only hold documentary value but also reflect a deep sense of genuine interest and empathy in her portraits.

The exhibition Nuncchi - The Power of Silence, opening in September, presents a visual chronicle of relentless contemplation on creation and decay, featuring six South Korean photographers. Graphic artists Park Byon-moon and Jang Jong-woon direct attention to the depths of human existence, social structures, and human dignity. Meanwhile, the works of Kim Mikyoung, Moon Sang-wook, Han Hee Joon, and Min Byung Kil serve as visual confessions from our planet. Their photographs celebrate the untouched state that is fundamental to humanity's fate. On the second floor, the exhibition Somewhere in Korea displays works by Imre Benkő and Zoltán Molnár, who quietly tell their stories between North and South Korea in a world fraught with tension. With assured serenity, they attempt to soothe the viewer and offer the opportunity for an inner journey that cannot be measured in kilometers. Through their travels, the two Hungarian photographers not only reach marked locations on the map but also make stops on their inner journeys, gaining personal experiences and insights along the way.

Starting in October, Mai Manó House will host the exhibition Mary Ellen Mark: The Lives of Women. This will be the photographer’s first exhibition in Hungary and will explore the complex and often difficult realities of women’s lives through the iconic documentary photographer’s decades-long career. The display will include photographs, films, and other documents that reflect Mark’s empathetic and profound approach, offering a unique insight into the lives of women on the margins of society. Among the featured works are images taken on the set of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), where Mark captured female patients at Ward 81, a psychiatric institution in Oregon. She also documented the daily lives of sex workers in Mumbai and the charitable work of Mother Teresa, sensitively portraying the challenges faced by these communities. Overall, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of Mark’s powerful humanist perspective and commitment to women’s experiences.

As in previous years, Mai Manó House is offering a personalized annual pass, granting access to all of our exhibitions throughout 2025.

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