Untouched Eyes
How does the sport of fencing connect with the prevailing conservative state of Hungary? Fencing holds a significant place as a national sport in Hungary, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity. Despite the enforcement of traditional gender roles within societal structures, fencers experience a distinct environment within the fencing halls. Here, individuals are not subjected to the same societal judgments prevalent in Hungarian culture. Through their shared experiences of training and combat, and the concealment provided by fencing attire, men and women find themselves on equal footing. This examination of fencing serves as a critique of the traditionalist tendencies within contemporary Hungarian society. It highlights fencing as a counterpoint to the conservative, illiberal state and its associated values.
Budapest, 2024