Penny Slinger's 1977 'Inner Space' exhibition reviewed by Nadia Woloshyn in ArtReview
The exhibition 'Inner Space' by Penny Slinger, reviewed by Nadia Woloshyn in ArtReview on 30 September 1977, delves into themes of female sexuality and spiritual consciousness through erotic collages. A striking feature is a life-size clitoris, which replaces women's facial characteristics or overshadows cosmic imagery. Pieces such as 'Lotus Woman', 'Hermaphrodite Tree', and 'Gateway' imply that bodily awareness can lead to mystical experiences, with symbols like roses at the feet representing alternative perceptions. The display also features four doll's houses made from luxurious materials. Roland Penrose referred to it as an 'Aladdin's treasure'. Slinger, associated with Jane Arden's radical Holocaust Theatre group, addresses feminist issues and relocated to California in the late 1970s. This review was reissued in March 2019, underscoring its ongoing significance.
Key facts
- Penny Slinger's 'Inner Space' exhibition was reviewed by Nadia Woloshyn in ArtReview on 30 September 1977
- The review describes the exhibition as a bold, almost aggressive celebration of female sexuality
- Collages feature a life-size clitoris as a focal point, sometimes replacing a woman's features or central to the universe
- Titles like 'Lotus Woman', 'Hermaphrodite Tree', and 'Gateway' suggest physical awareness leads to mystic experience
- Imagery includes roses implanted in feet, symbolizing alternative sensory perception akin to a 'third eye'
- Slinger created four doll's houses decorated with costly materials and curiosities, such as a tiny bottle with a 50 cent piece
- Penny Slinger was a member of Jane Arden's radical Holocaust Theatre group and addresses feminist concerns in her work
- The review was republished in ArtReview's 70th anniversary issue in March 2019
Entities
Artists
- Penny Slinger
- Nadia Woloshyn
- Roland Penrose
- Jane Arden
- Socrates
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Arts Review
- Holocaust Theatre group
Locations
- America
- California