Watch Penny Slinger: Out of the Shadows

Penny Slinger: Out of the Shadows is a 2017 British documentary film that explores the life and works of artist and feminist icon, Penny Slinger. Directed by Richard Kovitch, the film tells the story of Slinger's journey from her upbringing in England to her success as an artist in California during the 1970s. The film opens with Slinger discussing her early years, including her time studying art in London and her decision to move to California in the early 1970s. The viewer is introduced to Slinger's early works, which were heavily influenced by the surrealist movement and focused on themes of femininity and sexuality.

As the film progresses, Slinger discusses the challenges she faced as a female artist in a male-dominated industry, particularly in terms of the way her work was received by critics and audiences. She also talks about the role of feminism in her art, and the ways in which her work was informed by her desire to challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a range of Slinger's artwork, including her famous "anatomical" collages, which feature images of the female form cut out from magazines and other sources. We also see some of her more avant-garde works, such as her "body sculptures" and installations, which often incorporated elements such as mirrors, fabric, and other materials.

The film also features interviews with several of Slinger's contemporaries and collaborators, including filmmaker Peter Whitehead and producer Jack Bond, who discuss Slinger's impact on the art world of the time. We also hear from Slinger's longtime partner and collaborator, Michael Firth, who provides a unique insight into her creative process and personal life.

One of the most striking elements of Penny Slinger: Out of the Shadows is the way in which it highlights the continued relevance of Slinger's work in the twenty-first century. Many of the issues she grappled with during the 1970s - including gender, sexuality, and power - are just as pertinent today as they were then, and Slinger's art offers a powerful platform for exploring these themes.

Overall, Penny Slinger: Out of the Shadows is a beautifully crafted documentary that sheds light on the life and work of a truly original artist. As Slinger herself says in the film, "What you see in my work is what you see in yourself." By delving into the creative process behind her art, the film invites us to look deeper into ourselves and consider our own relationship to the world around us.

Penny Slinger: Out of the Shadows is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 94 hours.