The Transformation of Art and Urban Space: EXPORT’s Actions in the Post-War Period

Vienna’s Post-War Architecture Inspires Valie Export’s Artistic Actions

Renowned Austrian artist Valie Export has recently shared insights into her early photo series “Körper configurationen” and how it was influenced by the post-war architecture of Vienna’s city center. Export, known for her groundbreaking contributions to feminist art, explained that blending herself into the city was a way to reclaim public spaces and break free from the confines of traditional art institutions.

“The city belongs to all of us, including me, by blending myself into it,” Export expressed, highlighting her desire to connect with the urban environment. Her photo series, created in the post-war period, featured Export placing herself in relation to the architectural structures that emerged during that time.

For Export, this departure from the galleries and museums was a deliberate choice to engage with the urban space. She sought to challenge the conservative art temples of the era and explore new avenues for artistic expression. By positioning herself within the city’s architecture, Export aimed to create a dialogue between her body and the surrounding structures, blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life.

Reflecting on her motivations, Export emphasized the significance of her escape from traditional art spaces. “It was the way away from the galleries and the museums, into the urban space,” she recalled. This shift allowed her to connect with a broader audience and bring her art directly to the people.

Export’s innovative approach to art resonated with many, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore unconventional mediums and engage with public spaces. Her actions in the post-war period paved the way for a more inclusive and dynamic art scene in Vienna and beyond.

The impact of Export’s work can still be felt today, as her legacy continues to influence contemporary artists. The Albertina Museum in Vienna, for instance, recently showcased an exhibition dedicated to Export’s groundbreaking contributions. Titled “Action, Pants, Touch: Valie Export and the Cinema,” the exhibition explored the intersection of film, performance, and feminism in Export’s art.

As Vienna’s post-war architecture continues to shape the city’s identity, Export’s artistic actions serve as a reminder of the power of art to challenge societal norms and redefine public spaces. Her ability to blend herself into the urban environment remains an inspiration for artists seeking to break free from traditional confines and engage with the world around them.

How did Vienna’s post-war architecture influence Export’s artistic actions and interventions?

Atured Export contorting her body into various shapes and positions against the backdrop of Vienna’s architectural landmarks. The series aimed to challenge societal norms and explore the relationship between the human body and its surrounding environment.

Vienna’s post-war architecture heavily influenced Export’s artistic actions. After World War II, the city underwent significant reconstruction, resulting in an array of modernist buildings and urban planning reforms. This new architectural landscape served as a canvas for Export, allowing her to push the boundaries of traditional art forms and engage in provocative artistic interventions.

Export’s decision to blend herself into the city was a bold statement against the prevailing patriarchal society. By incorporating her body into the urban fabric, she challenged established gender roles and societal expectations of women’s behavior in public spaces. Through her art, Export sought to reclaim these spaces and establish a sense of belonging for herself and other marginalized voices.

Furthermore, Export’s photo series sought to disrupt the power dynamics associated with traditional art institutions. By taking her artwork to the streets, she circumvented the elitist nature of galleries and museums, making art accessible to a wider audience. This democratization of art challenged the notions of who can be an artist and where art should be displayed.

Export’s “Körper configurationen” series remains a pivotal moment in feminist art history, reflecting the artist’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the complexities of the female experience and questioning societal norms. Through her blend of performance art and photography, she continues to inspire generations of artists to challenge the status quo and redefine the possibilities of art in public spaces.