WOMEN IN THE DARK
an international, participatory, and transdisciplinary art project by Franziska Greber
Franziska Greber is a Swiss artist, raised in a cross-cultural family, whose work explores societal and political tensions, exploring themes of exclusion and participation, marginalization and cohesion, silence and speech, as well as resignation and resistance.
In 2016, she initiated WOMEN IN THE DARK, an international, participatory, and transdisciplinary art project addressing discrimination and violence. The project has since become a long-running independent initiative with its own website.
WOMEN IN THE DARK was awarded the German Art Prize The Power of the Arts in 2023. ”[…] It takes a stand against turning a blind eye and remaining silent, impressing not only with its relevance but also with its high artistic quality. Last but not least, its participatory nature connects and involves many and diverse women and thereby empowers them,” says the jury.
She sees her artistic practice as a way to encourage critical dialogue within each specific work context. The voices of those affected, contribute to the perception and visibility of these experiences and also encourage others to stand up for their rights and demands.
Since 2024, WOMEN IN THE DARK has also been the focus of artistic research. „Combining art and science […] fulfills a long-standing goal […],“ says Dr. Müge Süer of the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
The art of giving voice – a conversation between Laura Santini and Franziska Greber examines epistemic oppression and situates it within a broader critical reflection on Greber’s artistic practice. The contribution traces the development of her key themes and methodological approaches and outlines the conceptual and theoretical frameworks that underpin her work. The artworks discussed in the conversation are accessible via integrated QR codes.
Greber, F. (2025). The art of giving voice. In M. Porciello, G. G. Borghi, & E. Errico (Eds.), La conoscenza negata: Marginalità e oppressione epistemica nelle Americhe (pp. 303–323).
All projects & exhibitions: franziskagreber.com