Title: Trembling Empire
Artist: Zsófia Keresztes
Venue: Museum of Fine Arts Liberec
Curator: Tea Záchová
Photos: Matěj Kania
The exhibition Trembling Empire by Hungarian artist Zsófia Keresztes (*1985) focuses on ecological and gender issues, intertwining the theme of the female body, nature, and family relationships. The sculptures created for the Gallery Lázně Liberec combine her signature mosaic technique with newly incorporated textiles, emphasizing the tension between strength and fragility. The chosen textile, checkered tablecloths, symbolizes home, care, nourishment, and the stereotypical view of women’s roles. The artist intentionally dyes them and “wears them out” (highlighting the everyday use of the tablecloth and its staining or accidental spilling) to address the daily struggles and invisible labor of women connected to traditional expectations. Combining mosaic with fabric, the sculptures acquire a sense of inner fragility and intimacy, amplified by the contrasting materials. The process thus becomes more personal.
In a series of works, such as hollow trunks, roots, moths, or cocoons, the artist draws on organic shapes inspired by anatomical models of the female body. She transforms these forms poetically and gently, connecting them to nature, especially forest imagery, to explore themes of motherhood, family, and communication with a child. Through these works, she symbolizes the hidden aspects of the female role in the family and society, much like the forest conceals its secrets beneath layers of leaves and trees.
In a broader historical context, one can trace the influence of surrealist and feminist authors, such as Leonora Carrington, Niki de Saint Phalle, Virginia Woolf, and Toyen, who link their works to themes of the female body, nature, and symbolic transformation. The connection between human bodies and the Earth is more than just a metaphor – it is a call for a new form of existence on this planet. In light of the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity, this interconnectedness becomes a central theme, reflecting not only the vulnerability and fragility of life and our relationships but also its strength and resilience. Reflecting on these connections can help us understand the significance of ecological changes and the importance of protecting nature, which is the foundation for the survival of our planet. What role do you play in the forest?
