Valie Export: Icon of Avant-Garde Feminism Passes Away

Valie Export, a trailblazer in avant-garde feminist art, has passed away at 85. Known for her groundbreaking performance art, she adopted her famous pseudonym in the 1960s. Her influential works challenged societal norms and explored new artistic mediums like video installations and cinema.

Valie Export, an influential figure in avant-garde feminist art, has died at the age of 85 in Vienna. The Austrian artist, born Waltraud Lehner in Linz in 1940, was a pioneering force in performance art.

Export, who adopted her evocative pseudonym in the 1960s, challenged societal norms by appearing partially nude in public spaces early in her career. Her foundation highlighted that the capitalization of her name was an act of empowerment.

Export's groundbreaking works include the performance art 'Tapp- und Tastkino' and 'Aktionshose: Genitalpanik,' along with experimental films like 'Unsichtbare Gegner' and 'Syntagma.' She significantly impacted the conceptual art scene with her provocative approach to addressing attitudes towards the female body and women's role in society.