ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Fanny Harlfinger-Zakucka and the Forgotten Women of Viennese Modernism

exhibition · 2026-04-12

In Krems, Austria, the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich is marking the 100th anniversary of the Association of Viennese Women Artists, established by Fanny Harlfinger-Zakucka (1873-1954), through the exhibition titled "VIENNA MODERNISM. FEMININE. RESISTANT." Harlfinger-Zakucka, a painter and women's rights advocate, was known for her avant-garde woodcuts and furniture designs. She exhibited with the Klimt Group and Egon Schiele's New Art Group, illustrated for art publications, collaborated with the Wiener Werkstätte, and showcased her work in Vienna and the Salon de Paris. In 1926, she spearheaded the formation of Wiener Frauenkunst, which aimed to challenge stereotypes and innovate exhibition design, organizing "Wie sieht die Frau" in 1930 and contributing to "Die schaffende Österreicherin" in 1931.

Key facts

  • Fanny Harlfinger-Zakucka (1873-1954) founded the Association of Viennese Women Artists 100 years ago.
  • The Landesgalerie Niederösterreich in Krems, Austria, is holding an exhibition to commemorate the centenary.
  • Harlfinger-Zakucka was a painter, graphic artist, illustrator, and craftswoman.
  • She created avant-garde woodcuts in 1903 and designed furniture combining functionalism and playfulness.
  • She participated in exhibitions of the Klimt Group and the New Art Group founded by Egon Schiele.
  • She illustrated for Ver Sacrum, Der liebe Augustin, and Die Fläche, and collaborated with the Wiener Werkstätte.
  • In 1926, she led a split from the VBKÖ to found the progressive Wiener Frauenkunst collective.
  • In 1930, the association organized the exhibition 'Wie sieht die Frau' alongside the International Women's Congress.

Entities

Artists

  • Fanny Harlfinger-Zakucka
  • Egon Schiele
  • Gustav Klimt

Institutions

  • Landesgalerie Niederösterreich
  • Association of Viennese Women Artists
  • Wiener Werkstätte
  • Klimt Group
  • New Art Group
  • Austrian Association of Women Artists (VBKÖ)
  • Wiener Frauenkunst
  • Secession
  • Salon de Paris

Locations

  • Krems
  • Austria
  • Mank
  • Vienna
  • Paris

Sources