Linder in London: Charting a Course from Buzzcocks Provocateur to Brit Art Treasure

From Punk Roots to Artistic Fame

In 1977, when the Buzzcocks sought an eye-catching cover for their single “Orgasm Addict,” a young Linda Mulvey had just wrapped up her graphic design studies at Manchester Polytechnic. They chose one of her untitled photomontages featuring a naked female torso topped with a steam iron. Following this milestone, Linder adopted her new name and embarked on a musical journey with her band Ludus. This innovative group became a space for her to voice her discontent over women’s objectification and draw inspiration from avant-garde vocalists like Yoko Ono and Meredith Monk. The exhibition “Danger Came Smiling” at London’s Hayward Gallery, named after a Ludus album, represents Linder’s most significant showcase to date. It highlights her evolution from a Manchester post-punk icon to a renowned figure in British art.

Art that Challenges and Inspires

Two versions of the Orgasm Addict cover are featured in the gallery: the original color montage and a striking, life-sized print titled “It’s The Buzz, Cock!” created in 2015. This artwork sets the tone for the exhibition, where numerous black and white self-portraits and collages made from various magazine clippings maintain Linder’s signature Dadaist style. Her early works often critiqued the male gaze, emphasizing the contradictions in societal attitudes towards sexuality and the routine exploitation of women’s bodies. Similar to the work of Barbara Kruger, Linder used photocopiers, scalpels, and glue to construct her pieces. In her art, male genitalia are humorously obscured by potted plants and household items, while pastel flowers protect the modesty of female figures in her images, evoking a playful yet sharp critique reminiscent of Duchamp’s famous mustache on the Mona Lisa.

Revitalization in the 2010s

The 1990s marked a quieter chapter for Linder, but the exhibition smoothly transitions to the mid-2000s, a time when her focus on pornography and fetishism became a conduit for addressing broader societal issues. In 2011, she became captivated by “Splosh!,” a magazine centered on the fetish of covering naked bodies in food. This led to her creation of a mesmerizing series titled “Action Rituelle des Ancêtres,” where Linder and another subject are immersed in a vivid array of sauces and custards, highlighting the playful exploration of tactile experiences.

A Flourishing Legacy

In 2013, Linder experienced a renaissance, with several institutions recognizing her artistic significance. A notable moment included her creation of a raw meat dress, predating Lady Gaga’s famous garment. Key exhibitions that year showcased both new and previous works, solidifying her role in contemporary art. Among these, her ballet collaboration with choreographer Kenneth Tindall, “The Ultimate Form,” was significant, with costumes displayed at the retrospective. Furthermore, another collaboration produced the intricate “Diagrams of Love: Marriage of Eyes,” displayed prominently in the exhibit.

Current Works and Their Significance

Among the remarkable pieces on display is “L’effet de la curiosité féminine,” completed in 2023, an exploration influenced by Angela Carter that examines women’s portrayal in society. Its delicate components, including gilt leaves and a mirror, comment on the historical constraints of feminine beauty standards. Additionally, Linder’s 2025 work “The Most Sacred Monster of Photomontage in Her Time” reinterprets Salvador Dalí’s iconic creation, drawing parallels between her representation and contemporary issues surrounding deepfakes and women’s autonomy. Linder’s career exemplifies how her art challenges norms while celebrating the act of disruption in its purest form. In many ways, she epitomizes the influencer archetype—making her own identity a centerpiece of her ongoing conversation with the world through art.