Csontváry: In the Language of Photons
A one-of-a-kind digital art journey awaits visitors at CODE from 27 June
A completely new perspective on the art of Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka is now available in Veszprém, as the latest production of CODE – the Centre of Digital Experience – invites visitors on an exciting audiovisual adventure. Csontváry: In the Language of Photons presents the painter’s life and oeuvre in a special, immersive format, told through the medium of digital art – and the language of light.
A Hungarian icon – in a new light
Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka (1853–1919) is undoubtedly one of the best-known and most beloved figures in Hungarian painting. His works – reproduced almost everywhere – are deeply embedded in Hungary’s collective cultural memory, and dominate every artistic “best of” list. Though seen by many of his contemporaries as an eccentric dreamer, and recognised by the public only decades after his death, he has since become a towering figure of modern Hungarian art. His popularity continues to grow, yet his short career and the roughly 150 surviving works are still surrounded by mystery. Obsessed with capturing the “sun-path” and unique qualities of light – or, in his terms, the language of photons – he left behind an extraordinary legacy.
In this exhibition, his paintings come to life not on canvas but as part of a multisensory, audiovisual experience in the CODE space, complete with unique visuals and sound design. The exhibition opened to the public on 27 June.
“Our ambition is to establish, sustain and strengthen a creative region. CODE is a meeting point – and a beacon – for the region’s creative minds. Csontváry’s works provide the perfect inspiration and backdrop for this mission,” said Tibor Navracsics, Minister for Public Administration and Regional Development, at the opening ceremony.
Three spaces, three unique experiences
Csontváry: In the Language of Photons explores the painter’s world from three perspectives in three distinct areas:
In the Experience Corridor, a spectacular multimedia exhibition guides visitors through Csontváry’s life – from his childhood and career as a pharmacist to his artistic awakening. Animated artworks, interactive elements and art historical commentary reveal how he transitioned from pharmacist to visionary painter, how his worldview evolved, and how the Csontváry myth was born.
The Studio offers a fully immersive, three-dimensional contemporary artwork in which visitors step into an abstract universe – where Csontváry’s colours transform, his waterfalls surge, and the lights and phenomena of his skies become poetic audiovisual experiences.
In the Hexagon, a 400 m² panoramic space with 360-degree projections, visitors can enter the reconstructed 3D worlds of the paintings. In five chapters, the spiritual and geographical pilgrimage of Csontváry is traced – from Selmecbánya to Baalbek, from the quiet Carpathians to the cedars of Lebanon.
A digital journey for all senses
This is not an exhibition in the traditional sense, but a unique audiovisual voyage in which Csontváry’s paintings, thoughts and visions come alive in new digital dimensions. The programme offers an engaging experience for all generations: art lovers will gain deeper insight into the painter’s mind, while younger audiences can encounter one of Hungary’s greatest artists in a visually striking and modern format.
“With the opening of the Csontváry exhibition, we are one step closer to realising our long-held ambition for Veszprém and the region to become a hub of Hungarian creativity and the national creative industry. This production is a brilliant reinterpretation of a Hungarian genius’s art, and I hope this immersive installation will enjoy success not only in Hungary but internationally,” said Gyula Porga, Mayor of Veszprém.
“This is about dialogue between generations. About exploring new paths, while paying homage to the past – and to our genius painter, Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka. It is rare to create something that holds real value, leaves a lasting impression, and still gives that WOW effect. CODE is showing the way and setting an example for other institutions,” praised Anita Kiss-Hegyi, State Secretary for Cultural Relations.
“Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka’s iconic works form an essential part of Hungary’s shared visual heritage. Their importance lies in the fact that every generation can connect with his vision. His painting was never speculative – it was guided purely by a profound and unbiased understanding of the order in nature. Csontváry simply wanted to see – to become, in his own words, a painter of the sun-path. We owe thanks and recognition to all whose work and support made this extraordinary, Csontváry-inspired experience possible,” said László Baán, Director General of the Museum of Fine Arts, in his opening remarks.
