Founded as a loose alliance of four woman artists in 1987 (Ona B., Evelyn Egerer, Birgit Jürgenssen, Ingeborg Strobl), DIE DAMEN (The Ladies) have pampered the public with shrewd activities since then. Relying on irony and wit they have provoked the art world according to the motto »In the right place at the right time«. After Ingeborg Strobl had left the group, DIE DAMEN reorganized, with the New York artist Lawrence Weiner turning into a »lady«. Invariably perfectly styled and with their sharp tongues always at the ready the DAMEN have succeeded in tempting the public to their location of choice so that the latter can enjoy their ironically critical comments on society, art and politics. Alongside their wit, one of the most important things was the opportunities for staging presented by photography in advertising. The brand DIE DAMEN has allowed them to style themselves as stars without having to resort to that unscrupulous approach that demands success at all costs. 
The catalog presents the first comprehensive survey of the numerous projects realized by these pioneers of a performance culture of lightness and sophistication.