Sisterhood is Powerful! (1971 / 2024)

Silkscreen print

Dimensions: 640 x 415mm (unframed)

Edition of 12 + 2 APs

Modern Art Oxford is pleased to present a limited edition print of Monica Sjöö’s iconic feminist posters, exclusive to Modern Art Oxford. 

Sisterhood is Powerful merges feminist campaigns with Sjöö’s figural representation of iconic women involved in feminist activism during the 1970s. Based on an original poster in the Sjöö estate collection, the edition is an exact replica of Sjöö’s original poster used in feminist consciousness-raising campaigns. Featuring Angela Davis and Janis Joplin, combined with Sisterhood is Powerful slogan, created in Sjöö’s own distinctive stencilled design. 

Monica Sjöö constantly participated in political organising events, feminist campaigns, and direct actions. She founded several women’s action groups and associations herself. For example, Sjöö co-founded the Bristol Women's Liberation Group in 1969, along with Lee Cataldi, Carole Dark, Ellen Malos and Beverly Skinner, and collectively devised new ways to spread the message of women’s liberation across the city.

They often used posters designed by Sjöo to publicise their meetings in and around Bristol. She also designed magazine covers, banners, and pamphlets, which combined expressive images with powerful political slogans, using a colourful and direct visual language to illustrate the message. Art was integral to her activism, and activism was integral to her art. The posters' aesthetics exemplifies the print culture of the 1970s, which was characterised by collage and DIY techniques.

Posters were integral to feminist consciousness-raising activities in the 1970s and continue to be a dynamic tool for communicating key messages. Sjöö’s poster design combines iconic feminist figures with the powerful Sisterhood is Powerful slogan to create a visual gesture of feminist struggle, solidarity and hope. Dedication to and the continuation of women’s liberation from all forms of oppression, both in and outside the art world, was essential to Sjöö’s artistic practice. Sisterhood is Powerful! exemplifies this key tenet. It brought together feminists with different approaches to activism but whose work deeply understood the needs and hopes of women’s rights struggle. In doing so, Sjöö created a powerful image of women’s liberation that is strengthened by the effort of activists and artists alike with continuing relevance today. 

This poster features the hand-blend print technique and composition of the original, reproduced in a limited run of 12 prints for Modern art Oxford supporters. 

Exclusively made for Modern Art Oxford, our artist editions are often created to accompany a major exhibition in the galleries. Modern Art Oxford is a charity and all proceeds from the sale of these works directly support our exhibition and education programmes. All editions come with a certificate of authenticity.

Please allow 7-10 days for the Editions to arrive due to the careful packaging and preparation involved.

Price is inclusive of VAT. Please contact us on [email protected] to discuss shipping options