Silent Images Silent Images   Opening remarks by Imre Benkõ, photographer Curator of the exhibition: Alexa Csizmadia, art historian Open to the public: 08. May - 21. June 2009. Every weekdays: 14.00 – 19.00 Weekend: 11.00 – 19.00
Silent Images · Hannes Heikura

Silent Images

Hannes Heikura is an outstanding representative of Finnish press photography who approaches his subjects in a highly personal manner. He is a journalist pressed by deadlines as well as being an artist who applies a timeless sensitivity in his analysis of everyday life. Heikura’s work repre­sents a shift towards higher standards and sensitivity in press photography since he belongs to the first generation of photographers with formal training in art. His images draw on photojournalism as well as on classic aesthetic values. Heikura’s attention to everyday life and his human approach are essential aspects of Finnish photography. His photographs have been described by critics as forcefully composed and harmonious in colour with skilled command of lights.

Hannes Heikura’s first exhibition in Budapest highlights various segments of his works; from images of daily life in Finland to everyday scenarios from war-torn and developing countries. His subjects are always depicted in a humanistic, thought provoking but never disturbing manner.

Photojournalism plays a special role directing public discourse and split public opinion during wars; they can drive home the senseless and im­moral nature of war. The primacy of the image in the mass media gives advantage to the photographers and Heikura can use this advantage when he presents his subjects with human poignancy and personal passion. Every image he depicts suggests a narrative worth investigating.

(Alexa Csizmadia, curator)