The wish to be elsewhere

A vague sense of unease pervades the air, a harbinger of the possible collapse of familiar structures. This uncertainty challenges people. Throughout history, there have always been moments when the future seemed unpredictable and the present was destabilized - for example in Venice around 1500 or in Vienna shortly before 1900.

In both eras, female artists and writers found creative ways to cope with crises. Instead of resorting to activism, they created retreats for the mind and soul. In Venice, ravaged by famine and epidemics, young women sought alternatives to the political practices of their fathers. They turned to contemplative arts and found inspiration in Arcadia - an idealized world full of beauty, love and melancholy. This resulted in works that still captivate viewers today.

It was similar in Vienna around 1900, a time of social upheaval and nationalist tensions. Painters such as Teresa Feodorowna-Ries and Emilie Mediz-Pelikan explored the soul and desire, often in the seclusion of Viennese coffee houses. Their artistic works reflected a departure into new ways of thinking and a profound sensitivity to the challenges of their time. These historical visionaries were characterized by courage and tenderness. Their works developed from a conscious approach to existing uncertainties. The negation of circumstances was not an option for them. They negotiated their wishes and dreams openly without succumbing to false illusions.

Today, in the era of constant digital noise, the artists of the Frauenmuseum Berlin are continuing this tradition. In a world that appears fragmented by social media, the search for places of retreat and personal expression is becoming increasingly central. Their works reflect the tensions between media overload and individual identity - inspired by the courage to face life and the escapist energy of past rebels.