Monday, 25 July 2016

Penny Slinger An Exorcism

London. Villiers/Empty Eye. 1977. First edition. Oblong 4to, 148pp. Black boards with gilt in photographic dustwrap. Numerous Black & White and Duotone plates. One discreet closed tear to dustwrapper.  Hardback.. Book: Fine. Dustwrap: Near Fine.

Powerful, haunting and surreal collages from London born Slinger. Very new wave (late seventies/early eighties not 50s), echoes of Ken Russell, Helmut Newton. Her work is dark, menacing and beautiful. Slinger has been the subject of contemporary re readings of 70s fine art practices, in particular with regard to second wave feminism, and has been included in various retrospectives and group shows internationally. This- her second book, titled An Exorcism is a 'unique, powerful, and compelling Photo Romance' and a "grotesque and militant contribution" with a "loud message about silence." As the author herself notes, 'the images and accompanying captions present a record of the unravelling of the Self from dualistic limitations and the projections of others.'