In 1897, several Viennese artists came together to escape the conservativism of their country, forming the Vienna Secession. This marked the beginning of the Art Nouveau movement in Austria.<br><br>Artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele joined the group to gain the opportunity to display their artwork in an environment free of prejudice. These artists created works including those of an overtly sexual theme and feminine motifs. According to one member architect Otto Wagner their goal was to “show the modern man his true face.”<sup>1</sup> <br><br>The Vienna Secession broke apart in 1905 and some artists went on to form their own progressive groups. However, despite its short existence, the movement had a tremendous influenced on the art of the 20th century. Its influence can be observed through the work of its members Otto Wagner and Koloman Moser among others. Today, graphic design dominates all media platforms from television to print and Moser was one of the first people to utilise it and make it a respected art form. Wagner designed what is known as Europe’s first church of the modern era. His “Kirche Am Steinhof” is an Art Nouveau architectural monument. <br><br>The Vienna Secession, by encouraging free expression and the exploration of ideas, helped to launch the careers of many of its members and identified Austria as an important centre for the arts.<br>