Why 70’s Feminist Posters Are the Most Badass: A Look Back at the Radical Art of the Era
The 1970s was a revolutionary time for feminism. With the second wave of the feminist movement reaching its peak, women were challenging traditional gender roles, fighting for reproductive rights, and demanding equality in every aspect of life. During this turbulent and transformative period, feminist posters became a powerful medium to communicate revolutionary ideas and spark social change. These posters weren’t just about pretty artwork – they were bold, unapologetic, and packed with purpose.
In this blog, we’ll dive into why 70’s feminist posters are, hands down, the most badass pieces of political art, reflecting the fierce energy of the movement at that time.
1. They Were Bold and Unapologetic
Feminist posters of the 70s didn’t hold back. They were loud, bright, and confronting. These posters weren’t interested in being subtle or “politely” asking for equality – they were about making a statement. With powerful slogans like "The Personal is Political," and "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar," these posters boldly demanded women’s rights and equal treatment.
What made them so revolutionary wasn’t just their messages, but their aggressive push for change. They weren’t asking for permission to exist; they were claiming space, equality, and autonomy. The colors were vibrant, the typography was in-your-face, and the visuals were striking. These posters captured the rage and the drive of a generation of women who had had enough of being silenced and sidelined.
2. Radical and Revolutionary Art
The art and design of the 70s feminist posters were radically different from what you might expect in mainstream media. Artists weren’t confined to traditional notions of beauty and femininity – they were working outside the box to reflect the raw energy of the feminist movement.
Take, for instance, the iconic "We Can Do It!" poster, which became synonymous with women’s empowerment. But beyond that, there were graphic posters that featured collage art, bold hand-drawn illustrations, and photography, all with a revolutionary edge.
Feminist artists of the time used visual art as a form of resistance, blending activism with design. This approach was not just about creating something visually appealing, but something that challenged the status quo and actively sparked change. Every poster was a protest, and the art reflected this sense of urgency and rebellion.
3. They Were About Intersectionality
While many feminist movements of the time focused on a singular narrative of white, middle-class women, the feminist posters of the 70s were a beautifully intersectional expression of the movement. Women of color, queer women, and working-class women all found representation in the feminist posters of the era. These posters took into account the diverse experiences and struggles that women faced, making the feminist movement more inclusive than ever before.
For example, posters like "Black Women Are Beautiful" and "Chicana Power" celebrated the identities and experiences of marginalized women, amplifying voices that had historically been silenced. The feminist art of the 70s was as much about solidarity as it was about revolution. These posters reminded women from all walks of life that their struggles and experiences were valid, and that they were part of a larger movement for justice.
4. They Empowered Women to Fight for Reproductive Rights
Reproductive rights were a major battleground during the 70s, with women fighting for control over their own bodies and access to safe, legal abortions. Feminist posters of the era were instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing support for these rights. One of the most iconic slogans from this time was "My Body, My Choice."
These posters didn’t just advocate for reproductive rights – they boldly demanded them. In a time when women’s reproductive choices were often controlled by law, religion, or social norms, feminist posters sent the message that women had the right to make decisions about their own bodies without interference.
5. They Shaped the Modern Feminist Aesthetic
Fast forward to today, and you’ll see that 70s feminist posters still hold a massive influence on contemporary feminist art and design. Many modern feminists draw inspiration from the bold typography, vibrant colors, and strong statements of the 70s. The designs of that era set the foundation for how feminist art is perceived today. In fact, the aesthetics of 70s feminist posters are often used as a way to evoke a sense of empowerment and rebellion.
If you take a look at the feminist posters of today, you’ll notice that the bold, activist-driven design from the 70s is still alive and well. Many of the styles, colors, and slogans have been reimagined, updated, and reshaped to reflect contemporary issues, but the core message remains the same: feminism is radical, feminist art is bold, and women deserve to take up space and claim their power.
6. They Told Women’s Stories
One of the most profound elements of 70’s feminist posters is that they told women’s stories. Women’s lives, struggles, and joys were represented in ways that had never been seen before in mainstream media. These posters celebrated women’s strength, women’s sexuality, and women’s power in all its diverse forms.
Posters often depicted strong, powerful women in various settings: in the workforce, in the home, in the streets protesting. They celebrated women’s sexual liberation, motherhood, and independence, while confronting societal issues like domestic violence, gender roles, and sexual harassment.
These posters put women’s voices front and center, taking control of the narrative and reclaiming their identities. They created a visual revolution that allowed women to be seen and heard, challenging the traditional media portrayals of women as passive, submissive, or secondary.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 70’s Feminist Posters
The 70s feminist posters are, without a doubt, some of the most badass pieces of art in history. They were more than just art – they were tools of change, challenging the status quo and empowering women to take control of their lives.
These posters continue to inspire and resonate today, reminding us that the fight for gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice is ongoing. The spirit of the 70s feminist posters lives on, challenging us to keep pushing for progress, for equality, and for the voices of all women to be heard.
So, the next time you look at a vintage feminist poster from the 70s, take a moment to recognize the sheer power and defiance behind it. These posters were more than just art – they were a revolutionary act, and they still have a lot to teach us.