„Washerwoman“ Expanded: Stories of Power, Art, and Global Asymmetries

Which artists and artworks are most visible in the public sphere is often not a matter of merit, but rather a question of power. Artists who belong to historically privileged groups (white, cis, heterosexual, male, able-bodied and middle-class) still seem to occupy the majority of exhibition spaces and stages. When museums shine a light on the oeuvre of artists from the so-called “Global South”, such engagement appears only sporadically; the overall dynamics of visibility in the art world remain largely unchanged.

Who currently shapes prevailing narratives? In what context are they communicated? What can individuals and institutions concretely do to counteract existing inequalities and act as catalysts for societal change?

These are the themes of the event on 20 May at the Weltmuseum Wien.
Based on Shannon Alonzo’s mixed-media sculpture “Washerwoman” (exhibition opening: 15 May 2025, Theseustempel), Shannon Alonzo, Magdalena Buchczyk and Hanin Hannouch will discuss how artistic, curatorial and craft practices can make both historical and contemporary power structures visible and subject them to critical scrutiny.

At the centre of the discussion is the significance and responsibility of the actors and institutions that shape knowledge and narratives – from museums and universities to organisations such as UNESCO.
Concrete contributions from the panelists will illustrate how these institutions can counteract existing inequalities and serve as catalysts for societal change.

Programme

Artist Talk with Shannon Alonzo
Moderated by: Hanin Hannouch, Weltmuseum Wien

Panel Discussion with
• Shannon Alonzo, Artist
• Rina Alluri, UNESCO Chair of Peace Studies at the University of Innsbruck
• Magdalena Buchczyk, Humboldt University, Berlin
• Hanin Hannouch, Curator, Weltmuseum Wien
Moderated by: Claudia Isep, Austrian UNESCO Commission

The event will be held in English.
A graphic recording will be created to visually capture the content.
A collaboration between Weltmuseum Wien and the Austrian UNESCO Commission.

Limited number of participants.
To participate in the event, all guests need a valid museum ticket.
Participation is free for annual ticket holders, Weltmuseum Wien Friends, Patrons, Members and Ambassadors as well as ICOM members and holders of the Kulturpass.
Registration:  online
Meeting point: WMW Forum