We are publishing this issue of Camera Austria as a double issue; in view of the fact that the forthcoming issue featuring the contributions to the SYMPOSIUM ON PHOTOGRAPHY XVI is also scheduled to be a double issue, in order to illustrate the coherence of the debate, we felt it to be important to publish existing contributions, on the one hand due to the topical links with upcoming exhibitions in Austria, and on the other so as not to put off projects that have been in planning for some time now. It was precisely because of this great variety of topics, methods, links, references and production conditions that we felt it to be important and necessary to put this issue together.
The contributions by and about JOACHIM BROHM, RINEKE DIJKSTRA, MAYA GODED and BEAT STREULI can be assigned to the field of contrasts and connections between documenting and constructing circumstances – owing to the very immediacy of representation of this kind of circumstances, photography itself must be included as an integral part of the discourse: with Maya Goded and Beat Streuli, the main focus is the (socially defined) process by which the photo is actually generated; by highlighting the documentary aspect, Joachim Brohm, for his part, approaches a point at which representation is virtually dissolved; Rineke Dijkstra’s portrait series, in turn, open up a metaphorical space centred around human posing which can be inscribed with topical significance. The contribution on MARIE JOSE BURKI again focuses on the photographic image within the context of the electronic media and thus within the context of contemporary visual image production as a whole, as did the contribution on Diana Thater in a recent issue.
Projects that we have been planning to publish for some time now include a contribution about VALIE EXPORT and the “Edition No. 4 for Camera Austria” (at this point we would like to point out that Editions No. 1, Michael Schmidt, and No. 2, Sabine Bitter/Helmut Weber, are virtually out of print): Maren Lübbke’s article on Valie Export outlines the epistemological approach that focuses on society’s constructing principles of perception by example of the work “linie”. With the contribution on and about CHRISTIAN WACHTER we are again presenting the work of an Austrian photographer: the groups of works created in recent years provide insights into Wachter’s specific mode of working that creates interconnections by means of conceptual methods of circling around the object of representation semantically and visually, interconnections that are generated (albeit not exclusively) by means of photography.
Rolf Sachsse’s article on RA0UL HAUSMANN continues the series “Out of Austria”, dealing with questions concerning the condition of permanent exile and, at the same time, tracing the work of this vital avant–gardist back to craft forms of the early 20th century. Finally, on the basis of photographer Jock Sturges’ work, MICHAEL WETZEL looks into the tradition of young girl photography, critically analysing it by pointing out the “skin” of connotations that rob this genre of its innocence and “naturalness”.

With the contribution of the “Schule für Photographie Wien” we are presenting a private, and yet unique institution in Austria offering photographic training. In conclusion, as always you’ll find an extensive information section on works of young photographers (FORUM), current exhibitions and books, and news from the international world of photography. The KALENDARIUM provides a run–down on photography and media exhibitions in the first half of 1997. Hoping you’ll enjoy reading this issue

Manfred Willmann, Reinhard Braun, März 1997