Exhibition opened in Istanbul with the support of the University of Pannonia

With a ceremonial opening, the exhibition titled "The Art of Fire – Turkish Influences in Hungarian Glass and Ceramic Art" has been inaugurated at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul. Supported by Veszprém County and the University of Pannonia, the exhibition will be open to visitors until December 18, 2024. The showcase features iconic pieces from Hungary’s rich glass and ceramic traditions, spanning from the 16th century Ottoman era to the present day. Among the highlights are unique eosin-glazed vases from the Zsolnay factory, the famous hand-painted 3D-decorated bottles from the Mátra region, and glasses created by Henrik Girgl using etching techniques and adorned with Turkish motifs. (Source: vehir.hu)

The University of Pannonia has long played a significant role in the economic development and cultural heritage of the region, particularly in the field of glass and ceramic arts. Its recent educational collaboration with the Bohus-Lugossy Foundation opens new horizons. Together with the foundation, the university will launch a specialized training program in the glass industry in 2025. This initiative not only aims to advance Hungarian glass science but also fosters interdisciplinary connections between art and engineering.

As one of the sponsors of The Art of Fire, the University of Pannonia and Veszprém County contribute to the cultural dialogue between Hungarian and Turkish glass artistry. The exhibition's patron is Dr. Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Regional Development and Public Administration, whose opening remarks were delivered by Áron Sipos, Director of the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Center.

A unique perspective on art

"Today, autonomous ceramic and glass art occupies a prominent place in the universal history of art. This exhibition’s exciting approach not only showcases how color and brilliance define the 21st-century Art of Fire in Hungary but also underscores that building the future is only possible by drawing upon the values and knowledge of the past. The art history of my homeland vividly exemplifies this: in the forests of the Bakony Mountains in Veszprém County, the first glass workshops emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries. These traditions later inspired the founding of the Ajka Glass Factory in 1878, which, over its 100-year history, became a globally recognized brand in handcrafted lead glass. The region, designated as Europe’s Cultural Capital in 2023, earned the nickname ‘Silicate Valley’ from the 1960s onwards—testament to its centuries-old legacy in glass and ceramic art,” highlighted the welcome speech.

A cross-cultural artistic dialogue

The exhibition, which highlights the shared ornamental and design heritage of Hungarian and Turkish art, is hosted by the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, one of Turkey’s most prestigious institutions, known for its unparalleled collections of Ottoman and Islamic art.

"This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to present the shared roots of Hungarian and Turkish glass and ceramic artistry, as well as the mutual influence that has inspired both cultures’ artisans for centuries,” said Máté Vincze, Deputy Secretary of State for Public Collections and Cultural Developments. According to Dr. András Szilágyi, lead curator and conceptual creator of the exhibition, “The artistic legacy of these two nations is profoundly interconnected—a rarity in the world of applied arts.”

The exhibit includes works from renowned collections such as Herend and Zsolnay porcelain manufactories, the Laczkó Dezső Museum, the Wosinsky Mór Museum, the Attila Sík Collection, the Contemporary Ceramics Foundation, and the International Ceramics Studio. It also incorporates modern glass and ceramic creations, showcasing renowned contemporary artists to Turkish and international audiences.

Historic and contemporary treasures

Spanning from the 16th century, historical objects on display include functional items like the stemmed discs from Palánk, which reflect distinct Turkish stylistic traits, as well as iridescent vases whose techniques trace back to the medieval recipes of alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan. The collection features masterpieces by Hungarian artists such as Leo Valentin Pantochek, Márton Horváth, and Ágnes Szmetana, alongside iconic eosin-glazed vases by Zsolnay and intricately painted Mátra-region bottles, including the “crane vase,” a motif popular in Turkish art.

Art as a cultural bridge

“The Art of Fire” is organized by the Bohus-Lugossy Foundation and the Contemporary Ceramic Arts Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Hungarian Academy of Arts, the Liszt Institute Istanbul, Veszprém County, the University of Pannonia, the Gül Baba Heritage Protection Foundation, and Synergy Construction.

“Art has the power to create bridges between nations and preserve the rich heritage passed down by our ancestors. This exhibition is a dialogue that offers all visitors a new insight into the history of Hungarian and Turkish artistic relations,” emphasized Eszter Bohus, founder of the Bohus-Lugossy Foundation.

Curators Dr. András B. Szilágyi and Professor Emeritus György Fusz have meticulously selected pieces that demonstrate how Eastern ornamental and technical influences were incorporated into Hungarian craftsmanship, ensuring this heritage shines anew and its artistic value is accessible to all visitors.

Photos: Bohus-Lugossy Foundation