24 ½

When the Department of Photography was established at the University of Applied Arts Vienna in 2001, photography was experiencing a golden age. It stood on equal footing with other art forms – or even above them: it was more contemporary, compelling, visually striking, and commanding record prices. This confidence in photography as an art form marked both the foundation and the guiding principle of the new department. Since then, ideas have been developed here and have passed through all kinds of photographic and non-photographic processes – both analog and digital – in search of the most fitting form.
In the context of art, photography is approached with complete freedom, so that a photographic work no longer has to be a photograph. It can be a photogram, a scan, a screenshot, a silkscreen print, a frottage, photo emulsion on aluminum, a video or a slide projection. It can depict the invisible or take on a sculptural form.
In the 24 ½ years since its founding, around 150 students under the direction of Gabriele Rothemann have developed hundreds of photographic concepts. Fourteen team members have supported them over the years, while 62 guest professors have provided inspiration. The resulting works have been presented in 75 exhibitions. (Ruth Horak)

Opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 16:00-19:00, Thu: 16:00-20:00