In Tate Britain
Walk Through British Art: Sixty years
Free entry- Artist
- Cathy Wilkes born 1966
- Medium
- Shop mannequin, toilet, cooker, ladder, latex, ceramic tiles, burnt wood, bowl, bells and other materials
- Dimensions
- Overall display dimensions variable
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Presented by Tate Members 2009
- Reference
- T12823
Display caption
Shop mannequin, toilet, cooker, ladder, latex, ceramic tiles, burnt wood, bowl, bells and other materials Although the work is identified through its title with the right to abortion, the installation enigmatically suggests other life choices faced by women – such as the tensions of childbearing and being a mother or following a career rather than the traditional household ‘duties’ of looking after the home. Two possible and contrasting life choices seem to be offered – climbing up a career ladder or staying at home passing time on a toilet or in the kitchen. The work is made up of familiar everyday objects as well as more puzzling and mysterious imagery – possibly the result of private ritual.
Gallery label, August 2018
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