AUDIO
MAGICAL WOMEN
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1.
Magische Frauen / Einleitung
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AUDIO
Introduction / MAGICAL WOMEN
Welcome to the exhibition Magical Women at the Draiflessen Collection.
Magic—that sounds like something irrational, something impossible to grasp. And yet we encounter it constantly: in stories, in images, in rituals, in our search for meaning. Especially in times of upheaval, magic becomes a source for new narratives—in art, in social movements, and in personal experiences.
This exhibition brings together the work of thirteen artists who explore spiritual practices, religious imagery, esoteric systems, and the inexplicable—often from a feminist perspective. Some draw on historical forms of protest, while others employ performative strategies or pictorial techniques. What unites them is their critical stance toward power relations within society—and their shared quest for self-empowerment.
For centuries, people have strongly associated magic and the occult with female figures, such as witches, seers, or priestesses. These images both fascinate and polarize: they represent wisdom and power, but also fear and persecution. In many cultures, they serve as character foils onto which people project various notions—often misogynist beliefs that reinforce patriarchal structures.
The artists presented here do not romanticize magic, but rather understand it as a tool: for resistance, for healing, and for new perspectives on the body, identity, and community. Their works portray alternative representations of femininity and gender, thereby opening up new associations beyond established attributions.
The exhibition is arranged on an open plan—there is no set circuit, so you can choose your own path among the artworks. The curtains are movable, and you are welcome to rearrange them. This opens up new lines of sight and creates fresh connections. Even the audio guide doesn’t prescribe a specific sequence in which to view the works: we have listed the artists’ names alphabetically, so you can freely choose which ones you want to hear. The booklet provided will also help you find your way around.
We invite you to actively participate in the Magic Studio, an open space for interaction. Here, you can respond to the questions provided, sketch out your thoughts, share them, and connect with other visitors.
We wish you an inspiring visit—and perhaps even a magical moment or two.
Magic—that sounds like something irrational, something impossible to grasp. And yet we encounter it constantly: in stories, in images, in rituals, in our search for meaning. Especially in times of upheaval, magic becomes a source for new narratives—in art, in social movements, and in personal experiences.
This exhibition brings together the work of thirteen artists who explore spiritual practices, religious imagery, esoteric systems, and the inexplicable—often from a feminist perspective. Some draw on historical forms of protest, while others employ performative strategies or pictorial techniques. What unites them is their critical stance toward power relations within society—and their shared quest for self-empowerment.
For centuries, people have strongly associated magic and the occult with female figures, such as witches, seers, or priestesses. These images both fascinate and polarize: they represent wisdom and power, but also fear and persecution. In many cultures, they serve as character foils onto which people project various notions—often misogynist beliefs that reinforce patriarchal structures.
The artists presented here do not romanticize magic, but rather understand it as a tool: for resistance, for healing, and for new perspectives on the body, identity, and community. Their works portray alternative representations of femininity and gender, thereby opening up new associations beyond established attributions.
The exhibition is arranged on an open plan—there is no set circuit, so you can choose your own path among the artworks. The curtains are movable, and you are welcome to rearrange them. This opens up new lines of sight and creates fresh connections. Even the audio guide doesn’t prescribe a specific sequence in which to view the works: we have listed the artists’ names alphabetically, so you can freely choose which ones you want to hear. The booklet provided will also help you find your way around.
We invite you to actively participate in the Magic Studio, an open space for interaction. Here, you can respond to the questions provided, sketch out your thoughts, share them, and connect with other visitors.
We wish you an inspiring visit—and perhaps even a magical moment or two.