Sticking has a long tradition as an inconspicuous hobby – today some artists use it to make feminist messages visible. An example of this can be found in Anja Melzer’s living room. Dozens of embroidered works of art hang on the walls of her apartment in the Vienna Stuwerviertel, most of them with a feminist message. For the 35-year-old, embroidery is not only an expression of her craftsmanship, but above all a form of activism. She stimulates quietly messages that provoke and indicate social grievances. The studied art historian sees it a “silent protest that shouts out of the work all the louder”. A embroidered “vagina” lettering between flower heads next to the slogan “Sushi Rolls not Gender Roles” and a “Fuck Patriarchy” hangs on her walls, decorated with a rose. At first glance, the cross stitch works look harmless, but transport central messages.
