Austria mourns Hermes Phettberg: A life full of courage and art

Austria mourns Hermes Phettberg: A life full of courage and art

On December 19, 2024, Austria lost one of its most provocative and courageous artists: Hermes Phettberg. He leaves a gap in the cultural sector, which was aptly described by City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler: “With Hermes Phettberg, Austria has lost one of the most unusual and courageous voices in its cultural and media landscape.” His life's work as a performer, author and presenter was shaped by challenging social norms. Kaup-Hasler emphasized that Phettberg knew how to create space for otherness and ambivalence with his art. Particularly noteworthy was his ability to “put his finger on the sore spots” while always maintaining respect for humanity.

A lasting legacy

Hermes Phettberg's extraordinary contribution to art was recognized in 2002 with the City of Vienna Prize for Journalism. His courageous and often vulnerable demeanor will be sorely missed in the Viennese cultural scene. While influential voices like Kaup-Hasler mourn his loss, the numerous creative works he left behind are also remembered.

In a different cultural context, a new monument to the victims of the Nazi persecution of homosexual people was recently unveiled. The jury responsible for this monumental project consisted of a wide range of professionals, including artists and urban planners, in order to best integrate the perspectives of the LGBTIQ community. This initiative demonstrates ongoing dialogue with the community and seeks to create a space of commemoration and remembrance. How on team.com reported, this is an important step towards recognizing and honoring those who were persecuted in dark times.