If we were to imagine photography as a patient lying on the couch, she would have had numerous “issues” throughout her life. Indexicality has long troubled her; her death has often been proclaimed. Digitalization and image-generating AIs push her—whether as a medium, process, or act—to her limits; she seems to be dissolving. The future is unsettling. As her counterpart, we wish to dedicate an exhibition to photography, in which the presence of other artistic disciplines and media aims to halt her diffusion.

With the selection of artists for ISSUES, we aim to explore a spectrum ranging from classical camera practices to working with photosensitive materials, as well as the deconstruction of the photographic gaze and the concept of dissolving space into a flat surface. The compilation is intended to be viewed as a reference to camera bodies, darkrooms, and Cartesian space, and will be exhibited in a garage for the entire duration of the FOTO WIEN 2025 festival.

Artists:
Anna Hofbauer
Axel Koschier
Patrick Topitschnig
Amelie Zadeh