Trembling Empire

The exhibition Trembling Empire by Hungarian artist Zsófia Keresztes (*1985) deals with ecological and gender-specific issues that intersect with the theme of the female body, nature and family relationships. The sculptures created for the Lázně Liberec Gallery combine her distinctive mosaic technique with newly used textiles, emphasizing the tension between solidity and fragility. The chosen textile of checkered tablecloths symbolizes home, care, nourishment and the view of stereotypical female roles. The artist intentionally dyes and “wears down” the textiles (alluding to the daily use of the tablecloth, its soiling or accidental spillage) to address the everyday struggle and invisible labor of women in the context of traditional expectations. The combination of mosaic and fabric gives the sculptures an inner fragility and intimacy that is confirmed by the two contrasting materials. The process is thus narrowed down to a more personal level.In a series of works, such as hollow trunks, roots, moths or cocoons, the artist uses organic forms inspired by anatomical models of the female body, which she poetically and delicately transforms in contact with nature, especially with forest motifs, to reflect the female experience of motherhood, family and communication with the child. In this way, she symbolizes the hidden aspects of the female role in the family and society, much like the forest hides its secrets under the layers of leaves and trees.In a broader historical context, the influence of surrealist and feminist authors such as Leonora Carrington, Niki de Saint Phalle, Virginia Woolf and Toyen can be recognized, linking works to the 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 way of being on this planet. In the context of the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity, this union becomes a central theme, reflecting not only the fragility and vulnerability of life and our relationships, but also its strength and resilience. Reflecting on these connections can help us understand the importance of ecological change and the need to protect nature, which is the basis for the survival of our planet. What place do you occupy in the forest?