THE REBELLION OF THE FEMALE BODY

The depiction of a naked female body can often evoke a sense of vulnerability
and objectification for the outside observer. However, it also contains a quiet,
but determined Venusian energy from which we can draw strength as women.
In her exhibition A woman's body is not a human's body, artist Enikő Csengey
holds up a mirror to how we view ourselves and our fellow women through the
lens of social conventions.

The representation of the female body is closely intertwined with the history of
humanity. Even at the dawn of history sculptural fragments of sacred significance,
such as the Venus de Willendorf feeds the imagination of art lovers centuries later.
But the changes in our attitude to the female body and the idealisation of the body
image in the modern age have a very different effect on the viewer.
In her exhibition A woman's body is not a human's body, Enikő Csengey painter
criticises our society through the depiction of female deformities, which on the one
hand objectifies and forces the female body into schematic boundaries, on the other
hand keeps an eye on it with voyeuristic enthusiasm. Nudity and suggestive poses
are imprints of vulnerability and the expression of sexual desire. The fragments of the
headless body are impersonal, we cannot see the real person behind the physical
body. In such an environment, complexity cannot develop, there are no deeper layers
to enhance intimate connection and spiritual closeness. The strong, vibrant colours -
red, yellow, pink, blue and green - and the bold brushstrokes also carry the kind of
brutality that the artist believes society wants to bring the female body under control.
"Torsos, as incomplete or fragmented representations of the female body, carry a
deeper and more symbolic meaning for me. On the one hand, they express social
expectations and stereotypes, on the other hand they suggest the constant struggle
that goes hand in hand with this perception. In my paintings, distortion, sexualised
but mostly idealised body images are confronted with the diversity of the real female
body." - says artist Enikő Csengey.

Behind the artist's critique there is also a quiet, hidden rebellion against the
established order. The torsos express a kind of isolation and inner strength that only
women are capable of expressing in a firm but soft way. Today, surrounded by
violence and the marginalisation of vulnerable groups in society, we need the female
energy and empathy to help us through difficult times more than ever.

The exhibition will be on view free of charge from 10 April to 10 May 2025 in
Fashion Street Gallery exhibition space.