Artwork
Cardiff Women's Festival poster
Cardiff Women's Festival poster is a poster by U-Print Collective. It dates from 1984 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Cardiff Women's Festival poster, designed by the U-Print Collective in 1984, is a vibrant promotional piece for a five-day event. Dominated by black, it features bold pink accents and white text, conveying energy and unity.
Subject & Meaning
At its core, the poster symbolizes collective empowerment through a circle of joining hands, underscored by a prominent female symbol ('♀') below the festival's name, emphasizing its feminist focus.
Technique & Style
The design combines bold typography with geometric patterns (starburst of pink lines and dots) and handwritten details for event listings, achieving a simple yet striking visual impact.
History & Provenance
Created in 1984 by the U-Print Collective specifically for the Cardiff Women's Festival, the poster's production reflects the collaborative, community-driven nature of the event it promotes.
Context
Emerging from the 1980s feminist movement, the poster's design and message align with the era's activist graphics, characterized by bold visuals and clear, empowering messages.
Legacy
While its immediate legacy is tied to the festival's success, the poster's style influences later feminist and community event graphics, though its broader recognition is more nuanced and localized.
Artist & collection
Artist
In the 1980s, a loose group of designers and activists splashed bold colors onto posters for festivals they hoped would change the scene in Cardiff.
