Lake Balaton, the Hungarian Sea - Zsófia Pályi's exhibition in Villa Gyetvai
Located just a few minutes from Lake Balaton, the impressively renovated Villa Gyetvai in Balatonfüred serves both as a winery and art exhibition venue. This summer, the theme of the exhibition is particularly close to their hearts: an internationally acclaimed series of photographs of Lake Balaton is on display until 10 August.
Created by Zsófia Pályi, a photographer who has won several Hungarian and international awards, "Balaton, the Hungarian Sea" has already been featured in the international press, on CNN and as the opening photo report in the US National Geographic magazine running for seven pages in the summer of 2021, and was then picked up by local newspapers in nearly 30 countries around the world.
"The series is about Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. The images carry the Eastern European atmosphere that is gradually disappearing due to modernization. At first glance, the images give the feeling of a sea with a boundless horizon. In fact, the water, as we know, is very shallow. The illusions in the photographs are therefore dispelled, and Lake Balaton remains just a lake," says Zsófia about the concept behind the exhibition.
When he bought the building, winemaker-owner Zsolt Gyetvai knew that he would combine his two passions, wine and art, within the walls of the villa. While the wines from the vineyards of Paloznak and Tihany are being made and matured in the cool cellar, visitors can stroll through the elegant rooms above, or sit at a table on the terrace or even in the shady park with its ancient trees and taste the winery's wines.
"Those who prefer the classic Balaton grape varieties, should opt for Olaszrizling. It’s an essential variety around the lake, and we value highly its ability to reflect its terroir. Those who are really curious and open to new things should definitely try our Kékfrankos schilcher, the wine of the summer, full of red berries and fruit!", lists his recommendations Zsolt Gyetvai, the spirited owner.
The photo exhibition "Balaton, the Hungarian Sea" can be visited during the opening hours of Villa Gyetvai, until 10 August at 23 Deák Ferenc u., Balatonfüred.