From Freud`s theory of agression to the source of Victorian shame and sin - the vagina was always a problem in cultural discourse. Modern society, with it's ultra public media characteristic, has helped us to accept the fact that, "down there" women are not sleek and smooth Barbie dolls but have parts that are a lot of fun and what`s more, they actually enjoy to have fun with them...they demand it. This process however, has put pressure on sexuality and so nowadays in the age of labia plastic surgery, porn that is easier to access than educational tv shows and human value based on physical appearance, standards of beauty are being created not only for our faces, breasts, booties and legs but also for genitals which instead of being a center of our sexual identity, the symbol of intimacy and pride become a source of frustration and shame.
It took a man to contribute to empowerment of women. A man who sees vagina not only as a symbol of sex but a source of individuality. I have been observing his project for quite a while- fascinated by its simplicity and power. The Great Wall of Vagina is an exploration of women's relationships with their genitals. Says McCartney. When I assembled the first panel of 40 casts, arranged in a grid, I stepped back disappointed. I realised the sculpture would need to be much bigger to have the impact I wanted. From this original piece (called Design A Vagina) has grown an epic sculpture. The final piece now has 400 casts arranged in 10 panels of 40.
"Why did I do it and what's it all about?" I hear you ask. Well, vulvas and labia are as different as a faces and many people, particularly women, don't seem to know that. Men tend to have seen more than women, who have often only seen their own, and many have never looked that closely. Hence the exposure of so many, showing the variety of shapes is endlessly fascinating, empowering and comforting. For many women their genitals are a source of shame rather than pride and this piece seeks to redress the balance, showing that everyone is different and everyone is normal.
"Why did I do it and what's it all about?" I hear you ask. Well, vulvas and labia are as different as a faces and many people, particularly women, don't seem to know that. Men tend to have seen more than women, who have often only seen their own, and many have never looked that closely. Hence the exposure of so many, showing the variety of shapes is endlessly fascinating, empowering and comforting. For many women their genitals are a source of shame rather than pride and this piece seeks to redress the balance, showing that everyone is different and everyone is normal.
Included are examples of male to female and female to male transsexuals, a virgin, a porn star and some women with some elaborate piercings. Ages so far range from 18 year old students to a grandmother of 76. I really wanted to include as many possibilities as I could. I spent the entire 5 years seeking a victim of female genital mutilation who would like to be included but sadly without success. The more inclusive and complete I could be in this survey the more power this sculpture would have.
McCartney will be creating one more panel of 40 casts for women`s charity auction. If you would like to take part, you can contact him now and showw off your pussy with pride!
To see more and apply for the project check McCartneys site http://brightonbodycasting.com/
McCartney will be creating one more panel of 40 casts for women`s charity auction. If you would like to take part, you can contact him now and showw off your pussy with pride!
To see more and apply for the project check McCartneys site http://brightonbodycasting.com/
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