An eye-opening exhibition at an art university reveals a disturbing chapter in Austrian cultural history, where images of women were literally used as targets for shooting practice by men's clubs. Artist Elisa Andessner presents compelling photographic evidence of this practice in her exhibition titled "FrauenZimmerschießen" (Women's Room Shooting), showcasing how female figures were routinely objectified and subjected to symbolic violence.
The centerpiece of Andessner's investigation is a shooting target from Ried dating back to 1903, featuring a young woman dressed in traditional Austrian dirndl. The photograph starkly illustrates the troubling reality: the woman's portrait is riddled with countless bullet holes, creating a powerful visual metaphor for how women were thoughtlessly degraded into targets for male aggression. This particular artifact serves as undeniable proof of how normalized such practices were in Austrian shooting clubs of the early 20th century.
Andessner's photographic series demonstrates the artist's methodical approach to uncovering this hidden aspect of cultural history. Through her clear-eyed documentation, she brings to light evidence that might otherwise have remained buried in archives or private collections. The exhibition format allows viewers to confront the stark reality of these historical artifacts, making the connection between past attitudes toward women and contemporary discussions about gender-based violence.
The exhibition title "FrauenZimmerschießen" itself carries significant meaning, combining the German words for "women's quarters" with "shooting," highlighting the contradiction between domestic spaces traditionally associated with women and the violent appropriation of female imagery for target practice. This linguistic choice underscores the artist's sophisticated understanding of how language and imagery intersect in the perpetuation of gender-based violence.
By presenting this historical evidence in a contemporary art context, Andessner creates space for critical reflection on how images of women have been weaponized throughout history. The exhibition serves as both historical documentation and contemporary commentary, bridging past and present to illuminate ongoing issues related to the objectification and targeting of women in society.
