Selfies

This is not a vagina. What you are seeing are vulvas. A multiplicity and unique array of womxn (individuals who identify themselves as womxn with vulvas) and their vulvas; in various views, angles, magnifications, and state-of’s. The word vulva still sizzles on the lips because it is scarcely used correctly when referencing female genitalia. Frequent misuses and purposeful derogatory remarks such as box, twat, or gash often describe and label both the vulva and the womxn that have them. None are suitable or relate to the opulent prowess that a vulva keeps.

In both historical and contemporary Western culture, womxn and their bodies are believed to be inadequate to that of the male body. Throughout the history of art, womxn were reduced to being the reclining nude and never permitted to cross over to be the artist, enforcing the male gaze. Additionally, the vulva has also been historically objectified and when portrayed in art it often has been by a male artist. Spoon-fed notions that the womxn’s body and vulva are inferior and solely made for the “superior” penis. If the vulva is to be used for more than monogamous, heterosexual, and procreative sex, then both the vulva and human that possesses it are shamed and devalued. This leaves no safe space for both the body and vulva to be loved, cherished, and explored.

Selfies is a series of eight cis-womxn who cross over that boundary of just being the nude model, by taking photographs of themselves and their vulvas in various captivating moments grants complete artistic control and power to show their body on their terms. The fragility and versatility of soft pastels lends itself to how womxn are also multi-makers and creators. The medium is hard to pin down and doesn’t stick in one place easily, directly correlating to how womxn’s bodies are fluid and refuse to be suppressed. These womxn from assorted backgrounds unite to unveil an ever-present time to be completely unabashed with not only their vulvas, but themselves. The drawings are scanned, printed, and scaled up on silk fabric. The choice stems from the desire for these drawings to not simply be skimmed over. The fabrics are hung up, unapologetically and luminously claiming a space of their own, finally.

Selfies asserts a space that represents the collapse between subject and artist. Selfies unashamedly and ferociously bites back at the hand of the patriarchy that still defines what it means to be a cis-womxn today.

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