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Its what your right arm's for

Poster
1975 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This poster relies on an abundance of disturbing images to alert the viewer that society often promotes a threatening and unsafe climate for women. On the left, a woman is accosted by a man's unwanted advances. In the centre, an array of words reference pornography and the sex industry which reduces females to submissive sexual stereotypes. In the foreground, the most poignant image is that of an abused partner and mother. She has a black eye and is bandaged but perseveres with two young children. The poster seeks to promote speaking out and positive change against male chauvinism, harassment and domestic violence.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleIts what your right arm's for (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Printing on paper
Brief description
Poster, signed BB, protesting against abuse of women in male chauvinist society. UK, ca. 1975.
Physical description
Three images on sheet. On the left, a woman looks up at a man exposing his hairy chest. In the middle, images and signage from sex shows featuring a naked woman with flowing hair. In front of the nude is a battered woman carrying bags, a baby and a screaming child. On the right, two men in rugby shirts stand drinking beer. Green and red printing on white paper.
Dimensions
  • Height: 53.3cm
  • Width: 78.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • DRIVES WOMEN WILD (text accompanying image of hairy chest)
  • "TAKE ME/ I'M YOURS"/ PLUS/ "SUBMISSIVE GIRLS X"/ "THRILLS/ BONDAGE! SEX!"
  • ITS WHAT YOUR RIGHT ARMS FOR
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Subjects depicted
Summary
This poster relies on an abundance of disturbing images to alert the viewer that society often promotes a threatening and unsafe climate for women. On the left, a woman is accosted by a man's unwanted advances. In the centre, an array of words reference pornography and the sex industry which reduces females to submissive sexual stereotypes. In the foreground, the most poignant image is that of an abused partner and mother. She has a black eye and is bandaged but perseveres with two young children. The poster seeks to promote speaking out and positive change against male chauvinism, harassment and domestic violence.
Other number
LS.1319 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.657-2004

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Record createdOctober 20, 2004
Record URL
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