Linder Sterling, a name synonymous with provocative and feminist art, was born Linda Mulvey in Liverpool in 1954. At the age of 21, she chose to go by a Germanic version of her first name, embracing a new identity that would accompany her through a transformative career. Linder's artistic journey began in 1976 while studying graphic design at Manchester Polytechnic, where she discovered her passion for collage. This medium became her canvas for expressing complex themes, including her despair over the overturning of Roe v Wade in America.
Linder's life and work are deeply intertwined with personal trauma and a relentless pursuit of feminist expression. Her step-grandfather exposed her to pornography and sexually assaulted her at a young age, a harrowing experience that has profoundly influenced her artwork. Rather than succumbing to victimhood, Linder has taken control of pornographic images, transforming them into powerful feminist statements.
Raised in a working-class family, Linder's father worked as a bricklayer, while her mother was employed as a hospital cleaner. After moving from Liverpool at the age of 10, she grew up in a small mining village near Wigan. It was there that she stumbled upon Germaine Greer's book "The Female Eunuch" in 1970, a discovery that ignited her feminist consciousness at the age of 16.
Throughout her career, Linder has used pornography as a medium to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Her work often includes imagery that juxtaposes the innocent with the explicit, as seen in pieces like a drawing of a baby in the womb. She has spent years exploring these themes, using her art to communicate feminist views and societal critiques.
In the realm of punk music, Linder is known for her daring performances with the band Ludus. One such performance saw her take to the stage wearing a bodice made of chicken carcasses, an act that underscored her commitment to challenging conventional norms and expectations.
Linder's personal experiences have not been without their toll. To address the psychological impact of her childhood trauma, she has undergone Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This therapeutic process has helped her navigate the complexities of her past while continuing to create art that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Her retrospective exhibition, "Danger Came Smiling," is currently on display at the Hayward Gallery in London. This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Linder's body of work, showcasing the evolution of her artistic voice over decades.
“In capitalism, you have this progress narrative, like: buy this, do this, and life will get better,” – Linder
Linder's friendship with Morrissey, dating back to 1976, remains strong to this day. Their shared history is a testament to enduring connections formed during pivotal moments in their respective careers.
Reflecting on the impact of her work, Linder acknowledges the power of imagery and its lasting impression on viewers.
“Suddenly you think, ‘It could get a hell of a lot worse, very quickly.’” – Linder
“You put the blade into it and it just tears.” – Linder
Her groundbreaking poster for the Buzzcocks, backed by a substantial publicity budget from United Artists, became iconic. It was plastered across cities at a time when social media did not exist, yet its influence endured.
“Buzzcocks had just signed to United Artists, so there was quite a large publicity budget,” – Linder Sterling
“So that poster was in cities everywhere. It was unmissable. There was no social media, so the effect was hard to track, but years later people say to me ‘I saw that poster in Glasgow, or in a back street in Birmingham, and it changed my life.’” – Linder Sterling
Linder's art navigates the complex interplay between attraction and repulsion, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.
“When I die, I’ll tell my son that he can finally show the world the source image,” – Linder
“Because once you see it, you can’t get it out of your head.” – Linder
“It’s like, come over here and be attracted to me.” – Linder