Bregenz, Austria – Six billboards by renowned German artist Anne Imhof were vandalised in what she described as an “act of violent aggression” on July 23. The billboards prominently display the phrase “Wish You Were Gay,” which was part of Imhof’s current exhibition in Bregenz and was installed on Bregenzer Seestrasse, one of the city’s main thoroughfares.
Imhof, who gained international acclaim representing Germany at the 2017 Venice Biennale, winning the Golden Lion, condemned the act as a “hate crime” in a statement posted on Instagram. The billboards were designed in collaboration with the London-based Zak Group for her exhibition at the Kunsthaus Bregenz, titled “Wish You Were Gay,” which runs until September 22.
“The billboards serve as a space for public art and have been a museum tradition since 1997,” Imhof wrote. “Destroying them is not only an assault on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and questioning people but also an assault on the community of Bregenz.” She confirmed that the damaged billboards would be replaced promptly.
Thomas Trummer, director of the Kunsthaus Bregenz, also issued a statement condemning the vandalism. “This is a cowardly attack on art and our human rights. Homophobia has no place in our society,” he stated.
The “Wish You Were Gay” project by Imhof includes a range of artistic expressions such as bas-reliefs, large-scale oil paintings, sculptures, and stage elements. Imhof describes it as a love song to queer coming-of-age and a testament to the strength and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community. The project also highlights the ongoing struggles and hostilities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals globally.
According to a museum statement, the exhibition delves into themes of “absence and presence set against a backdrop of post-apocalyptic isolation.” Imhof’s work, characterized by its robust social commentary and emotional depth, aims to challenge and provoke thought about contemporary societal issues.
In her Instagram post, Imhof expressed her deep pain and hurt over the vandalism. She emphasized that the “Wish You Were Gay” billboards were intended to celebrate the queer community and address the struggles faced by LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. “This attack on love, creativity, and freedom only serves as proof of this struggle,” she wrote, “but this hate crime cannot take away our hope for a world free from homophobia and discrimination.”
Imhof’s billboards, which have been part of Kunsthaus Bregenz’s public art tradition since 1997, symbolize artistic expression and community solidarity. The artist and the museum remain resolute in their commitment to replacing the vandalized billboards and continuing to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about homophobia and the role of public art in confronting social prejudices. Supporters of Imhof’s work have rallied behind her, emphasizing the importance of standing against hate and supporting artistic freedom.
As the community of Bregenz and the broader art world respond to this act of vandalism, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the critical role of art in fostering dialogue and understanding.