Dániel Szalkai: Recovery Culture

Duration: 20 November 2026 – 26 February 2027

Opening: 20 November 2026, 6.00 pm

The exhibition titled Recovery Culture is both a synthesis of the doctoral research and a thesis exhibition by the designer, researcher and social work professional Dániel Szalkai.

Substance addiction is both a widespread problem and a taboo in Hungary. It is a deeply embedded cultural phenomenon, yet it remains heavily stigmatised. Public discourse often presents moralising and oversimplified images of the issue, while the process and the culture of recovery are barely known. Recovery culture is a social phenomenon with its own values, symbols, rituals, material culture, and other identity-forming tools; the aim of the exhibition is to give an insight into this complex field.

The doctoral research underlying the exhibition examines how recovery from substance addiction can be understood not merely as an abstinent (self-restraining) lifestyle, but as the shaping of a new identity and a protective way of life.

The exhibition presents possible pathways to recovery: the unconventional practices, subcultures, and spiritual communities that support individuals with addiction on the road to sobriety. It pays particular attention to how recovery communities operate, their visual culture and spiritual practices, as well as the community values and resources that contribute to strengthening a recovery identity.

The exhibition is a fabric of various visual systems and participatory creative practices. The exhibition space features video works, artworks and everyday objects. The objects – coins, patches, pendants and other accessories – are both parts and symbols of the performative practices of recovery. The exhibition also includes drawings by people affected by addiction and interviews conducted with them; the former were created during an artistic and therapeutic workshop that uses the tools of design to support the participants’ recovery. Both the objects and the practices contribute to strengthening a sense of communal belonging.

The exhibition attempts to open up new perspectives on how people affected by addiction are perceived by society and on how recovery as a social issue is understood, whilst also contributing to the restoration of the dignity of those affected.

Co-creators: Benedek Bognár and Zsuzsanna Simon

Curators: Judit Árva and Regina Sárvári, tranzit.hu / Space of Opportunity

Graphic design: Fabio Pop

Accompanying programmes:

20 November 2026, 6.00 pm – Opening, guided tour and sober party
Guided tour with Dániel Szalkai. Music: DJ Nyhill

8 December 2026, 6.00 pm – It Concerns You Too: Recovery Culture
Guided tour at 5.00 pm, round-table discussion at 6.00 pm, moderated by Regina Sárvári
More details soon

13 January 2027, 5.00 pm – Zine launch and guided tour
Presentation of the zine created by Dániel Szalkai as part of his research, followed by a guided tour with the artist and Dr Kamilla Marjai, psychologist, addiction counsellor

29 January 2027, 5.00 pm – Komló community
Film screening and discussion on recovery and masculinity, with the community of the Leo Amici Foundation rehabilitation centre

26 February 2027, 5.00 pm – Closing event
Object-making workshop and guided tour with Dániel Szalkai, Benedek Bognár and Zsuzsanna Simon

Opening hours: Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or by appointment (office@lehetosegektere.hu).