Founded in 1897 - dissolved in 1918
In the nineties of the nineteenth century many young artists turned away from the academies. Independent societies were founded, including in Vienna. The Vienna Sezession was founded on May 25, 1897 by nineteen artists and architects who had broken away from the official Viennese Artists' Union. They wanted to get rid of the emphasis on historical styles and focus more on contemporary art. The members of the Secession in Vienna wanted a broader definition of art to include applied art. According to the group, art could contribute to a better standard of living. Through exhibitions they showed the developments in the art world to the public. The Sezession in Vienna was associated with Art Nouveau. Until 1905 there was a rift within the Vienna Secession between the naturalists and the radicals. This ended in a secession from the radical group, the Klimtgruppe. Also in 1903 the Wiener Werkstätte is founded, a workshop for decorative arts, art nouveau art and crafts, which became the basis for art deco due to their progressive designs. The Sezession in Vienna has had a lot of influence on modernist movements due to its functionalist approach, geometric compositions and two-dimensional character.