Sleater-Kinney Manchester UK 2005 - Todd Slater

Artist: Todd Slater
Venue: Academy 2, Manchester, UK
Date: 1 September 2005
Size: 12 x 34
Edition: 175

This one drifted into my transom right just as my obsession was reaching the steepest part of its climb, and I believe I purchased it off eBay.  Inspired by the song "Jumpers" off Sleater-Kinney's last album, The Woods, I "got it" immediately, and the silhouetted skyline done in two-tone silver inks are incredible.  "Jumpers" explores the desperation and meaninglessness of a life spent in traffic, but the expressed urge to leap from a tall bridge never seemed to me like the suicidal thoughts of a depressed commuter, but instead to convey the lack of purpose and meaning in a world where we're all just numbers.  We work a job.  We buy a house.  We have some kids.  They grow up.  Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.  So why not jump?  It's not that I can't take it anymore.  I could.  But why should I?

The figure in the poster is obviously falling, and the illustration captures the acceleration perfectly, but we barely even notice the waves beneath, as if the "moment" here isn't in the death, or the impact, but in the freedom exercised by making a choice the world tells us we can't make.  Now don't go jumping off any bridges, please.  If you really want to explore all that, take a listen to The Woods and check out the poster for yourself.  It's available at several retailers, listed below.

Poster available at the following fine retailers:
JoJo's Posters
Poster Scene
D. King Gallery
happysadmusic @ eBay