Introduction to Esther Horvath’s Talk
From the endless Arctic nights to the suspended silence of Ny-Ålesund, documentary photographer Esther Horvath takes us on a fascinating journey through ice, dreams, and scientific discovery. Her visual storytelling offers an intimate and powerful glimpse into the work of female scientists who, by defying both geographic and cultural boundaries, contribute decisively to our understanding of a transforming planet.
Born behind the Iron Curtain in Hungary, Esther’s dream took shape through the lens of a camera and became reality in the most remote corners of the Earth: the Arctic. In particular, Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost settlement in the world, entirely devoted to climate and environmental research.
In these extreme regions, where winter brings over four months of total darkness, Esther has chosen to document the daily lives and tireless dedication of those she calls the “Stars of the Polar Night”: scientists and researchers working in the shadows to shed light on the climate crisis that affects us all.
Through images and stories, this talk highlights the human side of scientific research under extreme conditions, the courage of the women behind it, and the urgency of understanding the fragile balance of the Arctic in order to safeguard the future of our planet.
Take advantage of this event to plan a weekend in Siena and fully experience the exhibitions and events of the Siena Awards Festival.
Info
Location: Teatro dei Rinnovati |
Piazza del Campo, 1 – Siena
Date: 26 september 2025
Time: 3:00 pm
Photographer Biography: Esther Horvath is a documentary photographer whose work focuses on climate research in the polar regions, using photography as a powerful tool for science communication.
Born in Hungary, she earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of Western Hungary. In 2012, driven by her passion for photography, she moved to New York City to study at the International Center of Photography, graduating in Documentary and Photojournalism. After six years in New York, she relocated to Germany in 2018, where she is currently based.
Since 2015, Horvath has dedicated her work to the polar regions, participating in 25 scientific expeditions across the Arctic and Antarctic. Her photography captures not only the dramatic landscapes but also the behind-the-scenes efforts of scientists working to better understand the impacts of climate change in these fragile environments.
In 2019–2020, she documented the MOSAiC expedition in the Central Arctic Ocean — the largest scientific mission ever conducted in the region. Her visual chronicle of the expedition was published by Prestel Verlag in two editions: Expedition Arktis (German) and Into the Arctic Ice (English).
Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The New York Times, GEO, Stern, TIME, The Guardian, Audubon Magazine, and many others. In 2020, she won first prize in the World Press Photo Award (Environmental, Single Category), along with numerous international honors.
A TEDx speaker, Horvath is also deeply engaged in public outreach through exhibitions, books, and educational programs, using visual storytelling to raise awareness of our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
