Jo Spence

The Highest Product of Capitalism (after John Heartfield)

1979

© The Jo Spence Memorial Archive

License this image

Not on display

Artist: Jo Spence 1934–1992
Medium: Photograph, tinted gelatin silver print on paper; collaboration with Terry Dennett
Dimensions: Support: 491 x 695 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Tate Patrons 2014
Reference: P80406

Display caption

This photograph shows Spence standing in front of a shop window holding a sign thatreads ‘I’ll Take (Almost) Any Work’. It makes direct reference to a work from 1932 by Dada artist and photomontage pioneer, John Heartfield. In Heartfield’s work a male figure wearing a sign declaring ‘Any work accepted’ stands in front of an image of a woman wearing an opulent wedding dress. Spence exchanges the male figure for her own figure opening up broader commentary on women’s position in the workplace and more specifically her work as a commercial photographer.

Gallery label, September 2018

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.