‘Ara Guler: Life Through the Lens’ photo exhibition opens in Budapest

As part of the 2024 Türkiye-Hungary Cultural Year, the “Ara Guler: Life Through the Lens” photo exhibition has opened in Hungary’s capital, Budapest.

This event marks a significant cultural exchange between Türkiye and Hungary.

The exhibition, organized by the Yunus Emre Institute in collaboration with the Ara Guler Museum, Dogus Group, and Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, has attracted various guests, including Türkiye’s Ambassador to Budapest, Gulsen Karanis Eksioglu.

It features 45 striking photographs capturing various aspects of life in Türkiye, from Istanbul’s historic texture to the rural life of Anatolia.

Ara Guler’s impact, legacy

Known as “The Eye of Istanbul,” Ara Guler‘s black-and-white photos documenting human conditions and urban transformation have captivated Hungarian art enthusiasts.

The exhibition also includes Guler’s personal camera and the slides he worked on, offering a deeper insight into his craft.

Statements from key figures

Ambassador Gulsen Karanis Eksioglu emphasized the exhibition’s role in showcasing Türkiye’s cultural richness, stating: “The life captured through Ara Guler’s lens is a powerful way to convey Türkiye’s cultural depth to the Hungarian people. This exhibition exemplifies the strength of cultural diplomacy between our nations.”

Mustafa Aydogdu, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Budapest, highlighted the universal impact of Guler’s work, noting: “Ara Guler’s photographs not only immortalize moments but also act as a bridge between cultures. This exhibition strengthens the cultural ties between Türkiye and Hungary while showcasing the universal language and power of photography.”

Orsolya Korosi, Director of the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, drew parallels between Ara Guler and Robert Capa, stating: “Both are among the most important photographers of the 20th century. This exhibition underscores the artistic bond between these two masters and demonstrates photography’s border-crossing power.”

Cagla Sarac, Art Consultant for Dogus Group and Project Director of the Ara Guler Museum and Ara Guler Archive and Research Center added: “Guler’s universal language resonates across geographic borders. A photograph from Istanbul can profoundly impact a viewer in Budapest, as Guler’s images touch on shared human emotions.”

“Ara Guler: Life Through the Lens” exhibition is set to make a significant contribution to cultural exchange and will be on display at the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center in Budapest until Dec.15.