Best of Diploma 2026
A Selection of the Finest Graduation Works from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts
Best of Diploma 2026
A Selection of the Finest Graduation Works from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts
Best of Diploma is one of the most important events of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts’ end-of-academic-year period. The exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity of artistic education taking place at the university, while also offering insight into the thinking and creative approaches of the next generation of artists.
This year’s exhibition is hosted for the second time by the HAB art center located in the heart of Andrássy Avenue, whose mission is to contribute to the support of Hungarian contemporary fine art and to the social engagement of art.
On view: July 10 – August 9, 2026, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Thursdays until 20:00
Venue: HAB – Hungarian Art & Business (1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 112.)
Among graduating students from all departments of the university, a professional jury selects those diploma works that, in addition to their outstanding artistic quality, sensitively and authentically represent the spirit of the university as well as the individual perspectives of young artists.
The selection includes works from the university’s long-established fine art disciplines—painting, sculpture, printmaking, and intermedia—as well as the latest directions in graphic design, stage design, interdisciplinary visual arts, and outstanding diploma projects from Hungary’s unique higher education program in conservation and restoration.
A common characteristic of the presented works is the close integration of theoretical thinking and artistic practice. The works respond sensitively to key issues of our world: questions of identity and perception, the impact of digital culture, the relationship between humans and their environment, as well as social and cultural transformations. The encounter of different media and artistic strategies clearly reflects the open and experimental approach that defines education at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts.
As students progress in their studies, they are given increasing creative freedom, which in their diploma works is combined with complex conceptual thinking, high-level professional knowledge, and a conscious expansion of genre boundaries. A successful diploma work is often not only the closing of an academic phase, but also the first defining milestone of an independent artistic career.
This year, 191 students will receive their diplomas from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, and the most outstanding works are featured in the Best of Diploma 2026 selection.
Dr. István Erős, Rector of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, stated:
“The Best of Diploma exhibition each year provides an accurate picture of how the next generation thinks about art. The presented works demonstrate high-level professional preparation, intellectual openness, and a courageous artistic attitude. I find it particularly important that our students not only respond sensitively to the social, technological, and cultural questions of our time, but are also able to reflect on them in their own distinctive artistic language. Best of Diploma is therefore not only a selection of the best diploma works, but also a snapshot of the future of contemporary art.”
The exhibition will be accompanied throughout the summer by interdisciplinary programs, talks, and accompanying events, with further details to be announced soon on the official platforms of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts and HAB.
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Painter:
FÁBIÁN Dániel, KRISTÁLY Kincső, MIHÁLYI Bálint, NÁNDORI Judit
Graphic Artist – Printmaking Specialisation:
KUSLITS Veronika, LAVIV Laura, LEBEDA Dániel Bálint, SELLER Lola
Graphic Artist – Graphic Design Specialisation:
BIBÓ Dániel, CSORDÁS Flóra, DRUZSIN Nikoletta, MÉNESI Kristóf
Sculptor:
BÁRDI Dominik, GERSTENKORN Kelemen, LANEURY Tom, TONTÉ Dominik, TYURIN Dániel
Fine Artist:
SZABÓ Bernadett, ZELENÁK Noémi
Visual Artist:
KONKOLY Zénó Boldizsár, LUKÁCS Noémi
Scenographer:
KALISZKY Kinga, LÁNYI Lilla, LONKAI Lilla
Artist in Scenography:
SIMONYI-LENGYEL Mira, SZILÁDI Szabolcs
Intermedia Artist:
ABDULRACHIMZAI Amina, BÍRÓ Anna
Painting Conservator-Restorer Specialization:
CSÚRI Dóra, KISS Gábor, MOLNÁR Krisztina, SZOKOLAI Réka
Fine Art Theoretician:
FARAGÓ Barbara, DÖMÖTÖR Kristóf, HEMRIK Julianna Éva, KISS Borbála Anna, PASS Laura, VEDRES Luca Zsófia, ZSIBRITA Anna
Expert in Contemporary Art Theory and Curatorial Studies:
BIRKÁS Réka, SZABÓ Fruzsina Luca, ZACHAR Veronika
