Exhibition presents the internationally recognized Hungarian artist, who is a significant figure for the Czech art scene. The younger generation feels a certain sense of connection and visual identification with her work. Zsófia Keresztes’ exhibition in Liberec will be only her second solo exhibition in the Czech Republic after showcasing her work at prestigious international institutions and renowned contemporary art events (e.g., the Venice Biennale, Gianni Manhattan in Vienna, or König Galerie in Berlin).
Visitors to the Liberec gallery will have a unique opportunity to see a leading figure of the Hungarian art scene, known for her distinctive style of sculpture. Her work is characterized by amorphous, even fluid forms that resemble large bodily masses. The volumes evoke not only surrealistic bodies but also a strong reference to French Nouveau Réalisme, specifically to the artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
The theme of Zsófia Keresztes’ exhibition will be relationships. The artist aims to explore various dynamics of relationships, both on a professional level and in a personal sense, primarily from a female perspective, focusing on the role of women in the family. The result will be new sculptures created specifically for the exhibition in Liberec. Here, the artist will depict the desire for growth, which is often accompanied by constant feelings of guilt, as well as the gesture of self-sacrifice. The theme of personal confession, whether related to career or personal life, will be reflected in clothing that suggests leading roles (e.g., the symbolism of white shirt collars or scarf knots). In addition to mosaic and cold metal surfaces, the artist plans to incorporate textiles, a material she worked with at the beginning of her career. This type of material will bring a sense of softness and vulnerability to the works, reflecting the ongoing care that resonates in perceived relationships.
ABOUT ZSÓFIA KERESZTES
Zsófia Keresztes was born in 1985 in Budapest. She studied at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, the most prestigious art academy in the country. The artist focuses on creating large sculptures that address contemporary issues of identity and the ecological crisis. She primarily uses mosaic as her technique, which allows her to work with complex textures and symbolism. A major inspiration for Keresztes is the female body, particularly its internal dynamics and intimacy, often rendered in pastel colors. At the age of 39, the artist boasts numerous international art achievements, having exhibited in prestigious institutions such as Gianni Manhattan in Vienna and König Galerie in Berlin. For her ability to transform spaces and contexts into imaginary worlds through fragments of objects and bodily connections, she was selected to represent Hungary at the renowned Venice Biennale of contemporary art in 2022. She currently lives in Budapest with her two-year-old daughter and husband.
