Zurich's sex-industry regulation sparks artistic interventions and legal confrontations

In August 2013, Zurich, Switzerland, initiated a shift of prostitution to drive-in 'sex boxes,' which ignited artistic criticism. The red umbrella, a symbol of solidarity for sex workers, was first introduced by Slovenian artist Tadej Pogacar during a 2001 Venice Biennale demonstration and was later embraced by Zurich officials. Esther Eppstein's Message Salon at Perla-Mode, located near Langstrasse, encountered legal issues in 2008 due to Petr Motycka's Projections, culminating in a yearlong acknowledgment of its cultural significance. At Les Complices, Andrea Thal's Tim Zulauf showcased Striche durch Rechnungen (Spanners in the Works, 2013), challenging the distinctions between law enforcement and sex workers. Switzerland regulates prostitution, emphasizing compliance, with recent amendments targeting underage sex work. The influx of European migrants has led to a rise in prostitution within the country.