Valie Export

1940 – 2026 • Austrian

Biography

Valie Export, born Waltraud Lehner in 1940, was an influential Austrian avant-garde artist known for her pioneering work in media art. She gained prominence for her expanded cinema and provocative public performances, which challenged traditional boundaries and explored themes of feminism, identity, and the body. Her artistic practice extended beyond performance art to include video installations, computer animations, photography, and sculpture, making her a versatile and innovative figure in contemporary art. Export's work often confronted societal norms and questioned the role of women in media and culture. One of her most notable performances, "Tap and Touch Cinema," involved inviting passersby to touch her bare chest through a curtained box, challenging the objectification of women in cinema. Her debut feature film, "Invisible Adversaries," further showcased her experimental approach to art and film. Valie Export's contributions to art have been widely recognized and collected, with her works held in major museums and collections worldwide. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists who explore the intersections of technology, media, and gender.

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Valie Export

1940 – 2026 • Austrian

Biography

Valie Export, born Waltraud Lehner in 1940, was an influential Austrian avant-garde artist known for her pioneering work in media art. She gained prominence for her expanded cinema and provocative public performances, which challenged traditional boundaries and explored themes of feminism, identity, and the body. Her artistic practice extended beyond performance art to include video installations, computer animations, photography, and sculpture, making her a versatile and innovative figure in contemporary art. Export's work often confronted societal norms and questioned the role of women in media and culture. One of her most notable performances, "Tap and Touch Cinema," involved inviting passersby to touch her bare chest through a curtained box, challenging the objectification of women in cinema. Her debut feature film, "Invisible Adversaries," further showcased her experimental approach to art and film. Valie Export's contributions to art have been widely recognized and collected, with her works held in major museums and collections worldwide. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists who explore the intersections of technology, media, and gender.

Track Valie Export

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