Renowned Austrian feminist performance artist and filmmaker Valie Export, whose provocative and pioneering work challenged societal norms, has died at the age of 85. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from a generation of artists she profoundly influenced, including musician Peaches, performance artist Florentina Holzinger, and acclaimed artist Joan Jonas.
Export, born Waltraud Lehner, adopted her striking pseudonym in 1967, deliberately eschewing her father's and husband's names to forge her own identity as an artist. She became a central figure in the avant-garde scene of the 1960s and 70s, known for her fearless exploration of the female body, sexuality, and the male gaze. Her work often involved direct engagement with the public, aiming to dismantle the passive role traditionally assigned to women in art and society.
Among her most iconic pieces are 'Tapp- und Tastkino' (Touch and Tap Cinema) from 1968, where she wore a 'cinema' box over her bare chest, inviting passers-by to touch her, and 'Aktionshose: Genitalpanik' (Action Pants: Genital Panic) from 1969, which saw her walking through a cinema with crotchless trousers and a machine gun, directly confronting male spectators. These performances, though controversial at the time, are now recognised as seminal moments in feminist art history, pushing boundaries and sparking critical dialogue.
The tributes highlight the enduring power and relevance of Export's legacy. Peaches, known for her own boundary-pushing music and performances, reportedly recalled Export's 'crotchless trousers' as an indelible image, signifying the profound impact of her radical approach. Other artists echoed this sentiment, acknowledging how Export paved the way for more explicit and confrontational feminist artistic expression.
Her influence extends beyond performance art, touching filmmaking, photography, and conceptual art. Export's unwavering commitment to challenging patriarchal structures and her innovative use of media cemented her status as a titan of contemporary art, whose work continues to resonate with and inspire artists and audiences globally.