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Lisette Model: The provocateur of photography in Vienna and New York!
The Albertina in Vienna is showing an exhibition about the photographer Lisette Model until February 22, 2026, who uses provocative images from the 1930s to address social contrasts.
Lisette Model: The provocateur of photography in Vienna and New York!
A special exhibition awaits visitors at the Albertina until February 22nd, which focuses on the work of the fascinating photographer Lisette Model (1901–1983). The exhibition, which is based on a presentation organized by Monika Faber at the Kunsthalle Wien in 2000, shows large-format images that provide a unique insight into Model's perspective on life and society. The works shown today are not only emotionally moving, but also open up the discussion about whether the artist used her photographs as tools in class struggle - but there is no clear answer as to how courier reported.
Lisette Model, who was born Elise Amélie Félicie Stern into a wealthy family in Vienna, emigrated first to France in 1926 and later to the United States in 1938. In the 1930s, she was one of the few photographers in New York who made a name for herself with provocative street photography. Her most important early series was created in Nice in 1934, where she photographed holidaymakers in awkward moments. A special highlight of the current exhibition is a double page of the Illustrierte Regards from 1935, which focuses on the contrast between rich vacationers and a beggar.
A look at Lisette's life and work
During her artistic career, Model exhibited, among other things, at the left-wing “Photo League”. These political connections led to an interrogation by the FBI in 1954, which ultimately resulted in the decline of her orders. Her planned book about jazz musicians was never realized, but the series of pictures shown at the Albertina keep the emotional depth of her art alive.
Models' photographs are characterized by various post-processing techniques that support the spontaneity of the captured scenes. She also often chose unusual image sections and experimented with technologies such as doubling and reflections. What many may not know: Before her career as a photographer, Model originally wanted to become a musician and studied harmony with Arnold Schönberg. The exhibition also features an important photograph of legendary singer Billie Holiday, taken during her wake on July 21, 1959.
The name behind the artist
Loud the information about your name Lisette has Hebrew roots and means “God is my oath”. She is considered a variant of Elizabeth and is used in different variations such as Lisa or Lizette. Even though the name Lisette is less common these days, it was very popular in the past. Famous alternative forms such as Elizabeth continue to rank among the most popular girls' names.
In conclusion, Lisette Model is considered not just a photographer, but a creative force in the world of art history. Her ability to capture faces and stories without compromise remains a topic of conversation long after her death. A visit to the Albertina offers the opportunity to discover the legacy of this extraordinary artist and learn more about her perspective on society.