2025-10-15 12:58
Kossuth Prize-Winner Bahget Iskander Opens 'Soul Bridges' Exhibition at JvNU
John von Neumann University hosted the opening of "Soul Bridges," an exhibition by the Kossuth Prize-winning photographer Bahget Iskander, on October 13, 2025. Art historian Kitti Árvai-Józsa curated and officially opened the display.
Syrian-born Iskander has been a resident of Hungary for nearly 60 years. From his well-equipped photographic studio in Hetényegyháza, he operates an international cultural center. His career is distinguished by approximately 250 solo exhibitions and numerous photographic albums.
The collection, hand-picked by curator Kitty Árvai-Józsa, features the artist’s lyrical, human-focused photographs. These works offer intimate glimpses into human destinies and the depth of personal relationships, capturing scenes from Hungary, the Arab world, and regions across the globe. Iskander's images consistently convey clear messages of diversity, human dignity, and connection.
The University's Focus on Culture
The exhibition was opened by Dr. habil. Tamás Fülöp, Rector of JvNU, who stated:
"We are extremely pleased to welcome the work of an artist who places human values, empathy, and relationships at the core of his art. This is vital for JvNU. Just as academic life builds knowledge, art fosters sensitivity and understanding. Here at John von Neumann University, we aim to cultivate not just knowledge and talent, but responsibly-minded, well-rounded graduate intellectuals. It is therefore a great source of pride that Mr. Iskander is one of our alumni."
The opening was also attended by Christo Stefanov Polendakov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Hungary, and Jordan Bocskov, Consul. The Bulgarian delegation expressed gratitude to Iskander, who notably produced a memorable series on Bulgarian war veterans.
The Curator on Empathy
In her address, Kitty Árvai-Józsa elaborated on the artist's approach: "The creator crafts his works with a documentarian’s ambition, recording real places, people, social circumstances, and lifestyles. His photos are often community-focused, going beyond mere visual presentation by using subtle accents and highlighting details to create awareness. He always searches for what lies beneath the surface. While he is a documentarian, his own perspective, attitude, and worldview radiate from the images—he possesses an extraordinary empathy for his subjects, demonstrating a rare ability to place himself in their situation and feel their inner emotions as if they were his own experiences."
The Kossuth Prize-winning photographer offered his concluding thanks, expressing his joy that the university is committed to culture alongside technology and science. He added: "I am thrilled because there are so many students of different nationalities here, and they will help spread the word."
The "Soul Bridges" exhibition is available to visit in the lobby of the John von Neumann University CAMPUS until November 4.
Source: Hírös.hu
Photos: Roland Szamler
