As a photographer, I strive to create pictures that stimulate the viewer’s imagination beyond the first viewing. I never take staged photos. I would rather enjoy the randomness of reality, the infinite wonder of it, and my ability to convey this through an objective means, through photography. In my view, art does not express an opinion of reality; instead, it ponders it.
Every time that I place my finger on the exposure button, I ask myself unsparingly, “Does this truly bring an important new thought to the world, what is born with the press of the button? Is it worthwhile sacrificing my time to become involved with this emerging picture? Is there a mentality, a message contained in this potential work of art which could be of use to the picture’s prospective viewers? Is it worth adding another grain of sand to the desert?” If the answer to all of these is “yes!”, only then do I decide to expose.
Then the difficulties begin! From then on, it is my obligation to assist the piece coming to life, so it can reach viewers and live a new life in them.
In today’s endless flood of pictures, it is practically an impossible undertaking to believe in a new picture’s right to exist. Moreover, as an artist, I must recognise that people today do not consider taking in art to be a vital necessity. Still, I would state that art has a future. Perhaps humanity will become disenchanted with the illusions caused by technological advances, and they will take a fresh look at sincere works of art which, with their quiet strength, actually serve to nourish the soul.
With my slideshows, I offer a sort of solace, an opportunity to climb out of the everyday monotony. I hope that what I present will be a remarkably useful contribution to someone, something that will make even the greatest crisis relatively easy to bear. At the same time, the greatest of triumphs do not go to my head.
I am also aware that, in the world of photograph now, philosophical thoughts are none to fashionable. They do not bring the works spectacular praise. Much rather, it is the quiet accompaniment to a lifestyle in a continuous process of creation and observation. No other dazzling success can hold a candle to the freedom it affords.
For me, every spectator’s presence at my projections is a great joy. They become my companions on this amazing journey – indeed, right now, when I can finally display my works in a complex fashion and with an impeccable quality I had not dared to dream of previously.
I hope we will have an opportunity to meet, maybe at several screenings!
Zoltán
