MAK-it! Protest Embroidery

with communication expert Anja Melzer

With Anja Melzer, embroidering together turns into an anti-patriarchal act of protest. After all, the university-educated art historian, longtime journalist, and founder of the 1st Viennese guild of embroiders has been using the cross stitch as a political tool for some years now. She does so by combining traditional motifs with feminist symbols and slogans that are not simply quickly written down but gain significance through time-intensive handicraft: “What is stitched, sticks.” The handicraft with a female connotation and underestimated cultural technique thus turns into an empowering and critical medium. Even though embroidery connoted female decency, Melzer picks up on a subversive feminist tradition. After all, sewing bees already served the suffragettes as a camouflage for their fight for women rights.

Anja Melzer @stitchin_an

Sun, 25.2.2024 2 pm — 5 pm

MAK – Museum of Applied Arts

Cross-stitch object with text "Can we lie on top - be on top?"

A woman stands in a room holding a picture with a frame. Many cross-stitch objects on the wall.

Cross-stitch object with small sushi rolls, text: "Sushi Rolls, not Gender Roles"

We offer a combined tour of the two major exhibitions of the year at the MAK and link the show HARD/SOFT: Textiles and Ceramics in Contemporary Art to the exhibition PROTEST/ARCHITECTURE: Barricades, Camps, Superglue. In a common setting, Anja Melzer will introduce visitors to her rebellious approaches as well as the handicraft skills of cross stitching. She will present motifs and slogans and discuss what handicraft actually has to do with protest and disobedience. Above all, this will be about participative exchange and female empowerment in the context of MAK-it!

WORKSHOP SERIES MAK-it!
The workshop series MAK-it! for adults offers the opportunity to try out a variety of craft skills and innovative techniques together with designers and creators. In the unique atmosphere of the MAK Columned Main Hall, you can create your own works of art.

PRICE
€ 74 for tickets purchased online in presale
BUY TICKET HERE

€ 80 for tickets purchased on the day at the MAK ticket office
But be aware that the event may be sold out!

SUBSCRIPTION
MAK-it! three times: 3 × MAK-it! of your choice: € 180,-
MAK-it! together: 3 × MAK-it! of your choice for 2 people: € 340,-
Please get in touch with education@mak.at if you are interested in a subscription