Natalia LL, Polish feminist artist known for 'Consumer Art', dies at 85

Natalia LL, the Polish feminist artist celebrated for her biting critique of patriarchy and consumerism, has died at 85. Her most renowned work, 'Consumer Art' (1974), a 16-minute video and series of twelve close-up photographs depicting young women suggestively eating bananas, became an iconic commentary on Communist Poland's scarcity and conservative values. The work was removed from display at the National Museum in Warsaw after the right-wing Law & Justice party appointed Jerzy Miziolek as director, who stated he was 'opposed to showing works that could irritate sensitive young people'. Other notable works include 'Existences' (c.1960s), featuring her sister in emotionally ambiguous portraits; 'Intimate Photography' (1968–69), showing the artist nude with her husband; and 'Velvet Terror I' (1970), where she appears as a dominatrix. Born Natalia Lach-Lachowicz, she studied at the State High School of Fine Arts in Wrocław (1957–63) and received a diploma from the Association of Polish Artists Photographers in 1964. In 1970, she co-founded the PERMAFO Gallery in Wrocław. She received the Silver Medal for 'Meritorious Service to Culture Gloria Artis' in May 2007, the Katarzyna Kobro Award in January 2013, and the Rosa Schapire Art Prize four years ago.