The Help

Pipilotti Rist (1962)
2004

This life-size cut-out, a four-color print on fabric, is a feminist artwork rich in iconography. Designed to be mounted on a wall, chair or table, it features the artist with arms raised, dressed in a 1950s-style gown and a halo. Despite the serene expression on her face, the blood running down her left leg draws attention to the menstrual cycle, contrasting her saintly posture. Notably, her exposed underarm hair serves as a symbolto to reclaim the female body, challenging societal norms. Dressed like a stereotypical 1950s housewife, she subverts expectations and challenges the title “The Help”, typically associated with domestic workers. This work was presented at MBAL as part of the exhibition Elles, de A à Z (2021-2022).

Print on fabric and cut-out, inv. 2021-0034