Linder: Danger Came Smiling

Five decades of work from the subversive feminist artist known for her photomontages exploring the body and representations of femininity

British artist Linder Sterling (born 1954) first emerged in the late 1970s as a prominent figure within the dynamic landscapes of punk and post-punk music, and later went on to become an internationally recognized artist renowned for her multifaceted practice. Throughout her career, Linder has used photomontage as a potent instrument for dissecting and reshaping the portrayal and commercialization of gender norms and sexual identity. Drawing from source materials extracted from magazines of the late 20th century, she exposes the weighty stereotypes imposed on both ends of the gender spectrum: automobiles, DIY culture and pornography for men; fashion and domesticity for women. In addition to using found images from magazines, Linder has also used photographs of herself taking on various feminine personae, which navigate concepts of personal invention and the performative dimensions of identity. Her art is informed by a rich tapestry of influences spanning religious art, surrealism, mysticism and the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
With an introduction by Rachel Thomas, new essays by Chris Kraus and Marina Warner, a new interview with Gilly Fox and a chronology by Katie Guggenheim, this book is the comprehensive guide to Linder’s world and work.