Viola Rühse

Viola Rühse is an art historian and photo artist who also holds the positions of Head of the Centre for Image Science and Course Director at the University of Continuing Education Krems in Austria. She studied art history and German language and literature at the universities of Hamburg and Vienna, where she developed a profound passion for visual storytelling and cultural narratives. After graduating, she further developed her expertise by immersing herself in significant art collections and collaborating with renowned professionals in the field, deepening her understanding and appreciation of diverse art forms. She received her PhD for a dissertation centred on Siegfried Kracauer’s film writings, which delved deeply into the intricate relationship between cinema and society, exploring how film reflects and shapes cultural identity. Alongside film theory, her current research focuses on a wide range of subjects, including photography, modern and contemporary art, and critical theory, enabling her to remain at the forefront of academic discourse. Viola's innovative approach to art history combines analytical rigour with imaginative exploration, making her contributions invaluable to the field.

As a photo-artist, Viola has been exhibited in many renowned cities around the world, including Paris, Hamburg, Oxford, Vienna, Berlin, Miami, New York, London, Venice, Los Angeles, and many other notable cities that cannot be overlooked.

Over the years, Viola has contributed to some exhibitions exploring the intersection of visual culture and society. These exhibitions examine how art can reflect and challenge our perspectives, shaping and influencing our understanding of the world in profound ways. As a curator working on the current kunstschaufenster project, she focuses on fostering meaningful dialogue between artists and the public, ensuring art remains accessible and thought-provoking for everyone, regardless of background. Beyond her current role, her commitment to education and scholarship is evident in her frequent participation as a speaker and panellist in various conferences, where she shares her insights on art, culture, and the evolving landscape of visual media with diverse audiences.