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: Paperback / softback
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 sound and poetic lyrics, and produced album covers that reflected their artistic aesthetic. Her work for the Charlatans showcased her ability to adapt to different musical styles and her commitment to creating visually striking designs.

In addition to her music industry work, Vaucher's art has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. Her 1989 painting "Oh America," which depicts the Statue of Liberty with her head in hands, is a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience. The painting gained renewed attention after Trump's election victory, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Vaucher's work in addressing social and political issues.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of Vaucher's artistic career, exploring her influences, techniques, and the social and political contexts in which her work was created. It sheds light on her unique position as a feminist artist, challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality in her artwork. Vaucher's rejection of all "isms" allows her to create a body of work that is both politically charged and visually stunning, resonating with audiences across generations.

In conclusion, Gee Vaucher's contributions to punk protest art and her unique position as a feminist artist make her a deserving figure of greater recognition. Her artwork has left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond, and this book provides a valuable insight into her creative process and the social and political themes that inspire her work. Through her art, Vaucher continues to challenge and inspire us to think critically about the world around us.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526147912