Katalin Aknai

Katalin Aknai is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Art History, Eötvös Loránd University, where she also serves as a lecturer in the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art. Her work focuses on 20th century Hungarian art, contemporary art, and visual culture.

Dr. Aknai completed her university studies at ELTE Faculty of Arts, Art History-German Department from 1990-1996, and later pursued doctoral studies at ELTE BTK Doctoral School of Philosophy from 2008-2012.

Her research interests span across 20th century Hungarian art, contemporary art, and visual culture. She has particular expertise in modern and contemporary Hungarian artistic movements, including avant-garde traditions, the Iparterv generation, and the intersection of art with social and political contexts. Her work often examines how disability is represented in art history and explores the connections between Hungarian artists and international movements like the Bauhaus. Dr. Aknai has also conducted significant research on Tamás Lossonczy's figurative graphics and the work of photographers like Halász Károly.

Dr. Aknai's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on Hungarian contemporary art scenes, with particular attention to exhibitions at major institutions like the Ludwig Museum and Műcsarnok (Hall of Art). Her writing frequently analyzes how Hungarian artists engage with international art movements while maintaining distinctive national characteristics. She has contributed extensively to art journals such as Műértő and Új Művészet, covering topics ranging from individual artist studies to broader cultural phenomena.

Dr. Aknai has served in various professional capacities including as a Fellow at the Artpool Art Research Center (1994-95) and at Knoll Gallery Budapest (1995-97). Since 1997, she has been associated with MTA MKI/MTA BTK (Hungarian Academy of Sciences Institute of Art History/Faculty of Humanities).