Celebrating the Legacy of Feminist Icon Valie Export

The world of art mourns the loss of a true pioneer, Valie Export, who passed away at the age of 85 in Vienna. Export, born Waltraud Lehner, was a renowned Austrian performance artist and filmmaker whose work in the 1960s and beyond challenged societal norms and empowered women.

Her performances, often low-budget and provocative, were a bold statement against the objectification of the female body. One of her most famous works, 'Tap and Touch Cinema', involved Export inviting passersby to touch her bare breasts, a daring act that shocked and intrigued audiences. This performance, along with others, has since been recognized as a significant milestone in feminist art.

Export's art was not just about making a statement; it was about creating a dialogue and challenging societal power structures. Her work at the 1980 Venice Biennale, titled 'Birth Bed', was a powerful display of female empowerment, featuring an oversized female abdomen with a unique twist. This piece, along with her other works, has left an indelible mark on the art world.

Born in Linz, Export's journey was one of determination and self-discovery. She left a convent school at 14 to pursue her artistic dreams, and later made the difficult decision to divorce and temporarily place her daughter in care to focus on her studies in Vienna. This decision, as she later revealed, was a pivotal moment in her life.

Export's influence extended beyond her performances. She co-founded the Austrian Filmmakers Cooperative and participated in numerous international exhibitions, including the prestigious Venice Biennale. Her feature film, 'The Practice of Love', was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, further solidifying her impact on the artistic world.

In 2015, a center for media and performance art was opened in her honor in Linz, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations. Export's work was also reintroduced to a new audience in 2005 by Marina Abramović, who re-enacted one of Export's key performances.

As we remember Valie Export, let us celebrate her life and the profound impact she had on the art world, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to empower and inspire.