fierce pussy, a New York-based queer art collective, emerged in 1991 during the height of AIDS activism and a wave of political mobilization for LGBTQIA+ rights. Founded by a shifting collective of queer feminist artists, including core members Nancy Brooks Brody, Joy Episalla, Zoe Leonard, and Carrie Yamaoka, fierce pussy aimed to bring lesbian visibility to the forefront of public spaces through low-cost, direct-action art. Using accessible resources such as typewriters, found images, and personal baby photos, the group created posters, stickers, and installations to advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility and challenge heteronormative narratives.
Central to fierce pussy’s work was its bold, grassroots approach to feminist and queer activism. By reclaiming urban spaces with posters and renaming streets after lesbian icons, they challenged traditional notions of public visibility. This in-your-face approach drew attention to LGBTQAI+ issues in a city already charged with social activism, linking personal identity with public protest. The collective’s visual style was unpolished yet impactful, utilizing simple design and raw materiality to make their message accessible and authentic.
Visual Impact
Their protest aesthetics relied heavily on typographic simplicity and striking imagery, emphasizing visibility through public installations and guerrilla-style street art. fierce pussy’s works were often wheat-pasted in visible locations, eliciting public reactions that ranged from support to outrage. The collective’s lasting impact lies in its raw, unfiltered message that resonated with marginalized communities, inspiring future feminist protests by demonstrating the power of visual activism in creating social change.
Although their main phase is over, four members of the group continue to collaborate, keeping fierce pussy active. In addition to placing their work in public spaces, they also showcase it in galleries and museums through diverse installations and exhibitions.
Text by Merle Häußler