Eszter Földi

Eszter Földi is an Associate Professor at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in Budapest, where she serves as Head of the Art and Design Theory BA programme and supervisor for the Design Theory MA programme. She has been a full-time faculty member at the Institute for Theoretical Studies since 2022, following her initial engagement as an external lecturer starting in 2018.

Education:

• PhD in Art History (2008: The Original Prints in Hungary 1892-1914)
• Art History and French Literature Studies at ELTE Budapest (1989-1995)

Eszter Földi's research focuses on 19th and 20th century art history, with special emphasis on drawing and graphics history, graphic design, and poster art. Her work explores Hungarian-French art relations and the institutional history of art museums. She has organized numerous significant exhibitions including 'Rippl-Rónai and Maillol. The Story of an Artistic Friendship' (2014) and 'Drawn to the East. Nipponizing Wooden Etchings in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy' (2020). Her scholarly approach combines museum practice with academic research, particularly examining how graphic arts functioned within broader cultural contexts.

Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Hungarian graphic art history, with particular attention to the period between 1890-1914. Her research reveals patterns in how Hungarian artists engaged with European artistic movements while developing distinctive national characteristics in printmaking and graphic design. The articles show a methodological approach that combines archival research with visual analysis to reconstruct artistic networks and production contexts.

Scientific Recognition:

• Opus Mirabile Prize (2015)

Eszter Földi has made significant contributions to museum practice and academic education. As a former Chief Museologist at the Hungarian National Gallery (1995-2022) and director of the graphics collection (2009-2019), she has extensive experience curating major exhibitions. She has worked closely with students on research projects examining Hungarian design history after 1945. Her professional service includes membership in the Secretariat of the Hungarian Academy of Arts, serving as the Hungarian member of ICOM (International Council of Museums), and acting as art history departmental secretary of the Hungarian Archaeological and Art History Association.

Her academic leadership extends to directing the Design Culture BA programme at MOME and supervising doctoral students. She has developed innovative approaches to teaching art history within design education, emphasizing the practical application of historical knowledge to contemporary design practice.