Debrecen4U
September 18, 2025
Creative solitude in an inspiring community – New exhibition opens at the Synagogue Gallery in Debrecen
Twenty-five interpretations of Jewish cultural heritage in the visual arts of the 21st century were created at this year’s art colony at the Synagogue Gallery.
In recent years, the Jewish Quarter has become an integral and vibrant part of Debrecen’s cultural life, offering diverse programs and attracting many visitors. With the support of the local Jewish community and the Debrecen Jewish Cultural and Scientific Research Institute, the first art colony was launched in 2022 under the professional guidance of Eszter Láng.
The goal remains unchanged: to foster dialogue among contemporary visual artists and with the values of Jewish culture, religion, and tradition—and to bring visual expressions of Jewish identity and memory closer to broader audiences.
Nine nationally recognized artists—either of Jewish heritage or known for respectfully and meaningfully engaging with Jewish themes—gathered for this important event.
The twenty-five works on display were created using various techniques and materials, each offering a 21st-century interpretation of Jewish cultural heritage. The exhibition opened on Monday afternoon, September 15, at the Orthodox Synagogue on Pásti Street.
In his welcome speech, Zsolt Heller noted that this year marked the third edition of the Art Colony of the Synagogue Gallery, which began on September 9. He emphasized that the gallery’s success as one of the city’s most active exhibition spaces—and the Jewish Quarter’s vital role in promoting art—is thanks to the city, the Jewish community, and Eszter Láng.
In his welcoming speech, Zsolt Heller said that work had begun for the third time on September 9 at the Synagogue Gallery Art Colony, and that the exhibition hall could function as one of the city’s most active galleries. He emphasized that the Jewish quarter plays an important role in promoting art, and that this is thanks to the city, the Jewish community, and Eszter Láng.
In his welcoming speech, Deputy Mayor István Puskás explained the significance of art colony programs, then pointed out the unique dynamics of inspiring community life and the solitude of creation.
Tamás Horovitz, president of the Jewish community, stated that the spirit of the place and the synagogue’s walls provide an authentic setting for artistic and cultural events. He confirmed that the art colony will be organized again next year. “Art deserves more attention than ever today, as we need uplifting experiences in our difficult everyday lives. Yet art still lacks sufficient attention and funding,” he concluded.
Eszter Láng, who is well known not only for her work in the visual arts but also as a poet and writer, said that this time, the common denominator that brought the artists together was quality. In her welcoming speech, she personally and in detail introduced the exhibitors, whom she and her fellow organizers invited into the creative community as friends.
In addition to Eszter Láng, Réka Démuth, Zsolt Durucskó, György Király, Johanna Kovács, László Mikó F., Zsuzsa Szász, István Tamus, and Sándor Uzsák also participated in the work of the colony.
The exhibition is open until November 15. Registration is required in advance at debrecenizsidosag@gmail.com.
Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu
