Gee Vaucher: Beyond Punk, Feminism and the Avant-Garde

Gee Vaucher is a punk artist who created controversial album covers for Crass and the Charlatans. This book examines her extensive range of work, exploring her connection to avant-garde art movements, counterculture, punk, and contemporary street art. It also offers a unique perspective on the history of feminist art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Gee Vaucher, a pivotal figure in defining punk protest art during the 1970s and 1980s, deserves greater recognition for her contributions. Born in 1945, she created iconic album covers for renowned anarchist band Crass, and later ventured into designing for Northern indie legends like the Charlatans. Her artwork gained newfound attention after Donald Trump's 2016 election victory, when her 1989 painting "Oh America," depicting the Statue of Liberty with her head in hands, graced the front page of the Daily Mirror. This groundbreaking book is the first to comprehensively examine a vast body of Vaucher's work, exploring her unique position as a bridge between avant-garde art movements, counterculture, punk, and even contemporary street art. Despite her rejection of all "isms," her art offers a distinctive perspective on the history of feminist art.

Vaucher's artistic journey began with her involvement in the anarchist movement in the 1960s, where she actively participated in protests and created political artwork. Her association with Crass, a pioneering band known for their confrontational and politically charged lyrics, marked a significant milestone in her career. Vaucher's album covers for Crass, characterized by their bold graphics and provocative imagery, became synonymous with the band's anti-establishment ethos.

After Crass disbanded in 1984, Vaucher continued to explore her artistic vision. She collaborated with the Charlatans, a British band renowned for their eclectic mix of genres, and produced album covers that reflected their unique style. Her artwork for the Charlatans, characterized by vibrant colors and abstract patterns, added a new dimension to her portfolio.

In addition to her music industry work, Vaucher's art has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. Her 1989 painting "Oh America," which portrays the Statue of Liberty with her head in hands, became a symbol of resistance and reflection on the state of the nation. The painting's powerful message resonated with many people, particularly in the aftermath of Trump's election.

This book delves into the diverse range of Vaucher's work, exploring her influences, artistic techniques, and the social and political contexts in which she created her art. It sheds light on her unique position as a feminist artist, challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality through her bold and subversive imagery.

Vaucher's art is characterized by its raw energy and political urgency. She uses bold colors, abstract patterns, and unconventional materials to create visually striking compositions that challenge the status quo. Her artwork often incorporates elements of street art, reflecting the influence of her surroundings and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

One of the book's key themes is Vaucher's exploration of the intersection of art and politics. She believes that art has the power to inspire change and challenge the dominant narratives of society. Through her artwork, she seeks to raise awareness about social and environmental issues, and to promote a more inclusive and equitable world.

Vaucher's work also offers a critical reflection on the history of feminist art. She challenges the notion that feminist art is solely concerned with the representation of women and gender issues. Instead, she argues that feminist art is a broader movement that encompasses all forms of art that challenge the status quo.

The book includes a comprehensive bibliography of Vaucher's work, providing a valuable resource for scholars and artists interested in her work. It also includes interviews with Vaucher, who shares her insights into her artistic process, her influences, and the social and political contexts that shaped her art.

In conclusion, Gee Vaucher is a visionary artist who has made significant contributions to the world of punk protest art. This book offers a comprehensive assessment of her work, exploring her unique position as a bridge between avant-garde art movements, counterculture, punk, and contemporary street art. Through her bold and subversive imagery, Vaucher challenges traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and power, promoting a more inclusive and equitable world. Her art continues to inspire and challenge us, reminding us of the power of art to shape our collective consciousness and inspire change.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526147899