2nd Special Mention

to Ellen Essen with the artwork "Remorse"

The work that earned this honorable mention stands out for its bold exploration of gender issues. The artist presents the face of a woman trapped in a man's body, a powerful and touching representation of the complexity of gender identity.

The artist goes beyond depicting a transgender individual, inviting us to reflect on the man-woman dichotomy and the challenges that transgender people face daily. The suffering and isolation evident in the subject's eyes remind us of the discrimination and misunderstanding that often pervade society.

The artwork is an invitation to look beyond appearances and recognize the fluidity of gender. The artist asks us to embrace diversity and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Her work is a precious testimony to the struggle for gender equality and freedom of expression, an example of how art can be used to raise awareness on socially relevant issues and promote understanding and acceptance of all forms of identity.

(Donne in Rinaschita, Milano, March 2024)