At the beginning of the 20th century, women gradually conquered their place in the art world of Viennese Modernism. Artists such as Teresa Feodorowna Ries, Elena Luksch-Makowsky, Emilie Mediz-Pelikan and Helene Funke managed to build careers for themselves that are remarkable even by today’s standards. In a time characterised by strict dual gender stereotypes, they fought against great resistance.
Access to the Academy of Fine Arts was still barred to them and there was a lack of presentation opportunities. Only a few could afford expensive private tuition. Nevertheless, some managed to be present in exhibitions organised by the Künstlerhaus, the Secession or the Hagenbund. However, they were denied full membership of these organisations.
Very early on, women therefore formed their own associations, such as the Vereinigung bildender Künstlerinnen Österreichs (VBKÖ), which can be seen as the first strong feminist sign of this development. Purchases by the Staatsgalerie show that these associations were successful.
Source: Belvedere – Stadt der Frauen
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