An Unusual Exhibition Opening, with Smiles and Tears
Despite the tropical heat, more than one hundred photography enthusiasts gathered on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate photographic artist Ștefan Tóth István AFIAP, ESFIAP and Hon. EFIAP at the opening of his jubilee exhibition, marking his 75th birthday and 55 years of artistic activity. The event, organized by the International Association “Euro Foto Art” (AIEFA), in partnership with Summit Agro România and the Museum of the Criș Region – Museum Complex (MȚCr.), was held under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), an organization recognized by UNESCO. The exhibition opening took place at the “Mezey Lajos” Gallery of the Euro Foto Art Exhibition Centre, hosted by the Oradea City Museum department. In fact, it was much more than an exhibition opening. It was a gathering of a community that, over the decades, has grown around photography, friendship, and the generosity of a man who has turned art into a way of giving. At the opening of the event, Ioan Ciorba, head of the Oradea City Museum department, recalled the numerous projects and events that Ștefan Tóth István has organized within the institution over the past decade and which he continues to support with an energy that is difficult to match. He also spoke about the impressive collection donated to the museum by the artist, which includes, among other items, photographs by Mezey Lajos, Oradea’s first photographic artist, as well as cameras, books, and magazines. Mircea Mălan, President of the Bihor County Council, emphasized the need for authentic role models in a society undergoing constant change and pointed to Ștefan Tóth István as one of these exemplary figures. “For 55 years of his life, he has put passion, inspiration and dedication into capturing moments of life,” he said, thanking him for his entire body of work. On the occasion of the anniversary, Mircea Mălan presented him with a bottle of Bihor pálinka made from wild cherries, prepared by the President of the County Council himself. Sebastian Lascu, City Manager of Oradea, congratulated the artist on behalf of Mayor Florian Birta as well as personally, assuring him of the local administration’s support for his future projects and thanking him for being “a true ambassador of the city.” Then it was the honoree’s turn to speak. Ștefan Tóth István confessed that this anniversary represented “an immense joy” for him. However, he did not wish to speak about trophies, distinctions, or achievements, but rather about the volunteer work behind them and the community to which he has dedicated a large part of his life. When he uttered the words, “The truth is that I have worked enormously hard for our community, a community of which I am proud,” emotion became stronger than words. His voice broke, and tears interrupted his speech for a few moments. The rest of the text prepared by the artist was read by Eng. Dr. Patricia Știrbu, the guest of honour at the anniversary event, who praised the outstanding collaboration of more than five years between AIEFA, led by the celebrated photographic artist, and Summit Agro România. The surprises continued. Member of Parliament Szabó Ödön came to the exhibition opening with a symbolic gift: an artwork representing a spider. The choice was not accidental. “I have always seen him weaving something: an idea, a project, trying to draw as many people as possible into this ‘web’ of photography,” the MP explained. The spider, he continued, also has the ability to rebuild, no matter how many threads of its web are broken, always finding a way to move forward, even when others can no longer see any solution. Photographic artist Horváth Imre, President of the Association of Hungarian Photographic Artists, presented him with an honorary diploma from MAFOSZ in recognition of his entire career. Professor Eugen Moritz, PhD, of the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, spoke about the energy with which Ștefan Tóth István continues to create and organize projects even now, at the age of 75. “He was always doing something, always organizing something—remarkable things—and through his work he always placed himself at the service of communities,” he remarked. The honoree’s extensive activity was also discussed by critic, writer and journalist Szücs László, as well as lawyer, writer and playwright Pașcu Balaci. The latter dedicated a couplet to him that captured, in a single image, the artistic destiny of the honoree: “Tóth István’s life has been haunted by a single ghost. Its name is Photography.” One of the most emotional moments of the exhibition opening was the speech delivered by the artist’s son, Tóth Tamás. His words once again brought tears to his father’s eyes. Tamás spoke about the man behind the artist and about the way his father fulfilled his dreams through passion, selfless dedication, and unconditional love for fine-art photography. He recalled how, from childhood, he entered the world of photography alongside his father—a world that, over time, would become his own passion as well. From his father, he learned “patience, attentiveness, respect for detail, and the beauty of creation.” For Tamás, the years spent alongside his father were genuine lessons in life, experiences that helped shape him not only as an artist, but above all as a person. Prof. Dr. Dorin Popa, President of the Millesime Association for Wine Culture and Civilization, also announced the launch of the fourth edition of the International Photographic Art Competition “The Vine, Wine and the Joy of Living,” a competition unique in the world because of its theme, organized together with Ștefan Tóth István and with the support of Summit Agro România. At the conclusion of his remarks, Dorin Popa emphasized that every community needs mentors and that, in the field of photographic art, one of them is undoubtedly Ștefan Tóth István. Photographic artist Ovi D. Pop also presented him with a symbolic award entitled “Best Mentor.” The atmosphere was further enriched by musical performances by the renowned violist Thurzó Sándor József, who added a note of sensitivity and elegance to the gathering. At the end, Ștefan Tóth István presented the jubilee album “Unforgettable Moments,” a visual synthesis of a lifetime of experience and artistic creation. The album can be browsed online in flipbook format. A group photograph followed, after which glasses of champagne were raised in honour of the celebrant. And, as at a gathering where art is transformed for a few hours into family, friendship, and community, Ștefan Tóth István remained among those present at the end, signing autographs. An exhibition opening filled with smiles and tears. With memories and gratitude. With the emotion of a man who, looking back, discovers that his true body of work is measured not only in photographs, exhibitions, and distinctions, but also in the people he has brought together around him and in the community to which, quietly and passionately, he has dedicated an essential part of his life.
Photos from the opening
Exhibited photographs
