In 2024, the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center held its seventh annual Capazine workshop, which this time focused on staged photography.
As part of the Capazine – Let’s Stage! workshop, we took a close look at this diverse type of image, which has existed since the beginning of photography but only became articulated in the 1970s. In addition to lectures by renowned international and domestic experts, we deepened the knowledge of the selected participants about this complex creative attitude, which is still relevant and influential today, with studio visits and thematic guided tours.
During the nearly year-long work process, the participating photographers, visual artists, set designers, actors, and writers (Gyula A. Kovács, Tamás Cseke, Angéla Csúcs, Fruzsina Danszki, Balázs Fromm, Zoltán Janik, Sabrina Komár, Zsuzsanna Lantos, Márton Magócsi, Judit Osváth, Júlia Salamon, Dorka Székely, Szofi Varga, András Vizi) created new photographic projects.
During the thematic lectures that laid the foundation for and inspired these discussions, participants gained insight into the theoretical and historical background of staged photography (Balázs Zoltán Tóth), the ethical dilemmas surrounding staging and reenactment in the works of photojournalists (Gabriella Csizek), and contemporary photographic variations on this type of image (Lucy Soutter, Emese Mucsi). During studio visits and artist talks held as part of the workshop, visual artists who also embrace this attitude (Gábor Gerhes, Tibor Gyenis) introduced participants to their workshop secrets and working methods.