Anja Melzer (34) is a communications expert and has been embroidering against social injustices as "Stitchin An" for five years. Anja, who studied Art History among other things, is also the founder of the 1st Vienna Embroiderers' Guild, a craftivism collective. Her political tool is primarily cross-stitch. She combines traditional motifs with feminist symbols or slogans.
#1 Which patterns in our society do you criticise and why?
Due to my past as a journalist, I am used to critically questioning patterns and drawing attention to them. Essentially, I do the same with embroidery. I am concerned with inequality in society and all forms of discrimination. Gender roles are also a focus, particularly anti-patriarchal feminist protest, and the fight against right-wing movements. What constantly troubles me: femicides, the fact that men kill women, and especially when looking at Austria, how high this number of murders is.
I am troubled by economic structures, too, driven by capitalist mindsets, unjust working conditions, corruption, and the unequal distribution of power and influence in our political society. Because, as with embroidery, it becomes visible: In the end, all these issues are connected in some way by the same thread, they are interrelated.
#2 What do you think needs to happen to break these patterns?
First and foremost, it is essential to raise awareness and understanding of why such patterns are harmful to us as a society. With my - yes, partly provocative - statements, I want to draw attention to these problems. The provocation, i.e. the bold word, sometimes even impudence, helps some to first recognize the problem. By feeling offended or attacked, at least one starts to think about it. What we need? Fair social policies, justice, equitable distribution of wealth, and diversity in companies and institutions. All of this can probably only be achieved through new laws and the involvement of civil society - including NGOs and so on.
#3 What should we - creative professionals - do to participate more here? What do you wish for?
Throughout history, there has arguably been no revolution without art. It is crucial that artists and creatives raise their voices against fatal dynamics. Art has the power to prompt people to reflect on societal issues they might otherwise ignore or fail to perceive—especially when dealing with such complex themes. In my view, art is activism—it can resist and push back. Art represents freedom of expression, documents injustices, is progressive, and offers new perspectives and visions for a just and peaceful coexistence. As individuals, of course, it's difficult to change the entire world, but one can at least make a small impact and contribute their part. And if many people do this, each in their own way, harmful patterns can be disrupted. For my part, I find it difficult to remain silent and just watch. I contribute with needle and thread in hand. To embroider is my personal medium of expression.
#4 What patterns will they discuss generations after us? What is your future scenario?
I hope that my children, and yours as well, will no longer have to struggle for the idea that all people are equally valuable and have the same rights. But especially central for future generations will be, of course, the climate crisis and its consequences - and honestly, I already fear what my children will say one day about how we as a society responded to it and what long-term measures we took to protect our planet.
#5 A very personal question: what behavioural patterns do you recognise in yourself?
Well, some consumer choices for example - whether at the supermarket or in the fashion store - or actively participating in all sorts of elections instead of just complaining and grumbling about political developments from the sidelines. Resisting and taking action - that is uncomfortable. Even I have to motivate myself for this from time to time. At first glance, it may all seem like matters of private life, but in the end, everything has an impact on society as a whole. We all bear social responsibility.
