From July 6 to 9, the Zsolnay Light Festival, in partnership with the Dutch Embassy in Hungary, will feature the Netherlands as its international focus country. The Netherlands have long been a muse for artists, with its enigmatic natural lights inspiring creativity for centuries. The iconic cloudy and bright skies, as well as the landscapes, have been immortalized by world-renowned painters. Moreover, it has been at the forefront of technological research that has influenced contemporary light art, and has given birth to numerous optical inventions. Join us in celebrating the Dutch's inspiring rays of light, which allow us to create exceptional visual universes.
The Dutch Focus event series offers a range of exciting and engaging opportunities for visitors to discover Dutch artworks and art productions. From the Apolló Cinema to the street theater performance and family workshop series, there is something for everyone. The Route of Light is a particular highlight, showcasing the beauty and wonder of Dutch cycling culture. During the Arts and Crafts Workshop with Light object-making workshop, visitors can even create reflective bicycle decorations that can be used practically even in the dark. At the courtyard of the Nagy Lajos High School, the Grasshoppers’ performance draws attention to the interactions between humans and living vegetation with the help of grass bricks taken out from their natural environment: the duo Circus Katoen, symbolizing the resilience and vulnerability of nature, transforms them into objects that can be moved and manipulated in front of the eyes of the spectators.
The WONDERKAMER group exhibition will transform the House of Civil Communities into a residency of contemporary Dutch light art based on the curatorial concept of Zalán Szakács, a Hungarian media artist living and working in Rotterdam. At the Apolló Cinema, he will also present an audiovisual performance called PHANTASMAGORIA in collaboration with composer Nikos ten Hoedt. During the LIVE AV SETS series, media artist Bori Mákó and composer-sound designer Rozi Mákó, who studied sonology at The Hague Royal Conservatory, will also perform a live set. Their performance, entitled FALLING, is a thought-provoking reflection of their respective works, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in a serene and meditative atmosphere as they traverse imaginary landscapes and noise fields.
Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to witness the magnificence of light art and be inspired. Experience the exquisite and captivating LIGHT FORUM interactive presentations, WONDERKAMER Artist Talks, and the screening of the Dutch Light film, masterfully directed by Pieter-Rim de Kroon and Maarten de Kroon, as they showcase the brilliance of the Dutch light art scene. The Dutch Focus programs promise to be an exhilarating journey that engages all of your senses.
Désirée Bonis, the ambassador of the Netherlands in Budapest, will visit Pécs for two occasions - she will be joining us for the opening ceremony of the Zsolnay Light Festival and will also be presenting an award to one of the winners of the Zsolnay Light Art Mapping competition on the closing day.
