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Paintings in Mariahilf: Dispute over painting over the controversial work of art
The debate about a mural in Mariahilf is escalating: After the artist's conviction, initiatives are calling for it to be painted over. However, the local council has not yet made a decision.
Paintings in Mariahilf: Dispute over painting over the controversial work of art
In Mariahilf, a controversial mural is causing heated discussions. The picture on a fire wall at Magdalenenstrasse 33 is closely linked to the story of its creator, who was legally sentenced to nine months in prison on probation in 2023 for serious allegations. He was convicted of abusing two women while body painting them. Since then, numerous feminist groups, including the initiatives “Catcalls of Vienna” and “Ni Una Menos Austria”, have been calling for the mural to be painted over.
The issue has also reached the district politics of Mariahilf. Members of the ÖVP submitted a proposal to paint over it, but it was rejected with votes from the SPÖ and NEOS. For the two governing parties, the decision was followed by a petition from the initiatives, which is intended to offer more space for solutions in the petition committee than the local council. This argument shows that a longer-term discourse is being sought.
Removal of the painting is planned
However, the committee's latest meeting brought a turnaround: City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler and City Councilor for Housing Katrin Gaal advocated for the painting's removal. The city has commissioned the “KÖR – Art in Public Spaces” initiative to find creative solutions for painting over it. This suggests that formalities for a redesign will begin soon.
However, the cumbersome process could take time. Initial estimates indicate that the tender and the actual redesign could take at least another year. “As soon as there is a recommendation for the implementation of a redesign, we will inform the public about the schedule,” explains the office of the housing councilor. This step alone could pave the way to ending the controversy surrounding the mural.
The situation surrounding the work of art is complex and oscillates between questions of artistic freedom and dealing with stories of perpetrators. It remains to be seen how the discussions between the various initiatives and the city will continue and what final decisions will be made. It is clear to everyone involved: the issue remains controversial in Mariahilf, and the dialogue about this case will not end.
For deeper insights into the background of this debate and the decisions of the city tea, You can find further information in an article on wien.orf.at.