The Austrian Secession was an art movement that emerged in Vienna in 1897, breaking away from traditional academic art. It aimed to promote innovative and modern artistic expressions, emphasizing individual creativity and the importance of aesthetics. The movement was characterized by its rejection of conventional styles and its embrace of new materials and techniques. Key figures of the Austrian Secession included artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, who sought to challenge societal norms through their work. The movement also established the Secession Building in Vienna, a symbol of its ideals, showcasing exhibitions that featured contemporary art and design.