Jo Spence

Remodelling Photo History: Realization

1981–2

© The Jo Spence Memorial Archive

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Not on display

Artist: Jo Spence 1934–1992
Medium: Photograph, tinted gelatin silver print on paper; collaboration with Terry Dennett
Dimensions: Support: 695 × 498 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Tate Patrons 2014
Reference: P80409

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These works, grouped together as Remodelling Photo History explores artifice, staging and role play. Here, Spence presents herself as a domestic worker, laughing as she reads a volume of Sigmund Freud’s writing, or holding out a bottle of washing-up liquid. In a parody of advertising imagery, Spence alludes to the objectification of women as home-maker, cleaner, and object of sexual pleasure.

Gallery label, September 2018

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