Valie Export on Feminism, Performance, and the Unfinished Fight for Gender Equality
In a recent interview with Artribune, Austrian artist Valie Export, born in Linz in 1940, shares insights into her feminist art and ongoing endeavors. The conversation took place in Florence during the "We stand togetHER" event on November 25, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Export reflects on the slow progress of feminism since the 1960s, highlighting minimal advancements in rights since 1968. She criticizes Austria's insufficient support for single mothers and recognizes the influence of the #MeToo movement, while calling for an increase in female judges and lawyers. Export also reminisces about her bold performances from the 1970s and views digital platforms like WhatsApp as fresh artistic opportunities. Her next project will feature an installation with organ pipes, which is currently in the research phase.
Key facts
- Valie Export was born in Linz in 1940.
- The interview was conducted in Florence for the event 'We stand togetHER' at Museo Novecento on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
- Export's exhibition 'The Venice Biennale Works' is ongoing at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in London.
- The photographs in the exhibition were made for the 1980 Venice Biennale.
- Export states that women's rights have barely improved since before 1968.
- She criticizes Austria for lacking support for single mothers.
- She believes #MeToo has increased awareness but legal systems need more female judges and lawyers.
- Her upcoming project is an installation using organ pipes, still in the study phase.
Entities
Artists
- Valie Export
Institutions
- Museo Novecento
- Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Linz
- Austria
- London
- United Kingdom
- Venice