Remembering a pioneer – Johanna Dohnal in Augmented Reality, or: Keeping quiet for tactical reasons has always proven to be a mistake

Augmented reality installations form a digital monument honoring Johanna Dohnal (1939–2010) – Austria's first Minister for Women's Affairs and a symbol of the struggle for equality – and serve as a publicly visible sign of feminist remembrance culture.

Johanna Dohnal’s political achievements have profoundly changed Austrian society, from the reform of family law to the protection of women against violence. Their impact is still felt today, and in times of growing anti-feminist, anti-queer and anti-democratic sentiment they are more important than ever.

The installation at Johanna-Dohnal-Platz invites visitors to learn more about Johanna Dohnal’s achievements and her historical significance through art. The artistically diverse, animated contributions bring the location to life virtually, transforming it into a place of democratic action and reflection on social and political conditions.

Eni Brandner, Kristina Hofmann, Susi Jirkuff, Nayeun Park, Veronika Schubert and Anna Vasof have created six virtual sculptures that relate to Johanna Dohnal and relevant socio-political debates in both a historical and a current context. Combining animation, video, drawing, sound and voice, their works feature texts, quotes, archive material and original recordings. With backgrounds in animation and fine arts, the participating artists all have their own distinct style and innovative approach.

The individual works are called Consultation Hour, Johanna Dohnal – The Programmer, Feminism/Role Models/Self-Definition, Breaking Glass Ceilings, A Protesting Vase II, and Faces of Progress.

The works can also be experienced online at artificialmuseum.com

Augmented reality (AR) uses a modern digital technology to connect digital content – such as moving images, photos, virtual sculptures, texts, or sounds – with the physical world. All you need is a mobile device – no app, no special glasses, you just scan a QR code.

In collaboration with Artificial Museum, Mariahilf district’s council, Johanna Dohnal Archiv, AHS Rahlgasse and Top Kino.

Made possible by KÖR | Kunst im öffentlichen Raum Wien and supported by ZukunftsFonds of the Republic of Austria