The Wiener Werkstätte, a collective of artists and craftspeople operating just outside of Vienna's historic center a century ago, has long been celebrated for its commitment to preserving the human touch of handcraft in the face of industrialisation. But what many people don't realise is that the group's ethos resonates with our current moment, where rapid-fire technological advancements have sparked anxiety about the impact of machines on society, quality of life, and the value of craftsmanship. Personally, I think this is particularly fascinating, as it highlights the enduring human need to create and appreciate beautiful, meaningful objects, even in the face of rapid change. In my opinion, the Wiener Werkstätte's emphasis on the human touch is a powerful reminder of the importance of craftsmanship in our lives, and how it can be a source of comfort and connection in an increasingly automated world. From my perspective, the group's ethos is a call to action for us to re-evaluate our relationship with technology and to seek out the beauty and meaning in the objects we create and use every day. One thing that immediately stands out is the role of women in the Wiener Werkstätte. A quarter of the roughly 200 women artists who worked with the guild were of Jewish descent, and they are the focus of a new exhibition at the Jewish Museum in New York. This exhibition, titled 'Modernity and Opulence: Women of the Wiener Werkstätte', highlights the work of ceramic artist Vally Wieselthier and textile designer Felice Rix-Ueno, as well as the network of Jewish women who were active patrons of the Wiener Werkstätte, including socialite and art patron Adele Bloch-Bauer and journalist Berta Zuckerkandl. What this really suggests is that the Wiener Werkstätte was not just a collective of artists and craftspeople, but also a community of women who supported and celebrated each other's work. This raises a deeper question: how can we create spaces where women can support and celebrate each other's work, and where their voices are heard and valued? A detail that I find especially interesting is the story of Grete Neuwalder, an artist who was killed in the Holocaust, but whose clay work survives. This story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of preserving the work of artists who may not have the opportunity to see their work recognised in their lifetime. It also highlights the need for us to actively seek out and celebrate the work of artists who may have been overlooked or forgotten, and to ensure that their stories are told and their work is preserved for future generations. In conclusion, the Wiener Werkstätte's emphasis on the human touch is a powerful reminder of the importance of craftsmanship in our lives, and how it can be a source of comfort and connection in an increasingly automated world. It also highlights the role of women in the collective, and the need for us to create spaces where women can support and celebrate each other's work. This exhibition is a call to action for us to re-evaluate our relationship with technology and to seek out the beauty and meaning in the objects we create and use every day.
