Rough Trade are to publish a book of artistic reactions to Pussy Riot called ‘Let’s Start A Pussy Riot’. Editor Jade French told NME: “Pussy Riot have inspired all the artists to create something that responds to important issues and even work that has been in the public domain before should be cast in that light. The themes include DIY ethic, the power of collectivity and art as activism.”
‘The Feminist Playing Cards’ project features 54 illustrations of musicians that deeply inspired the 14 artists who came together to custom design the deck. Here’s Patti Smith by Marissa Paternoster.
Even today, many cultures still do not include a queen or any female in their decks, and men dominate many poker tables. By combining feminist ideas with music and art, they are putting their own stamp on these playing cards that have been around since the ninth century while documenting their own history, which is often neglected. Here’s Kathleen Hanna by Liz Prince.
Here’s Marissa Paternoster’s interpretation of Edith Piaf.
Beth Ditto by Brandi Lee.
Aretha Franklin by Ginny Maki.
Poly Styrene by Brandi Lee.
Nico by Martha Rich. The book will be launched at Yoko Ono’s Meltdown Festival. See more Feminist Playing Cards at feministcards.tumblr.com.
