The Great Wall of Vagina

I've posted about Jamie McCartney and his Design a Vagina project before. I have just found his documentary about the process. He now calls his project The Great Wall of Vagina.



McCartney seems to understand that women have various views when it comes to their vaginas or "bits" as he calls them. Vaginas can be so many things to so many people. My experience, and it seems that McCartney's experience, is that many women view their vaginas as ugly or at least some what...concerning.

While I believe vaginas are something to be celebrated (just as penises can be) they can also be harmed, violated, loved, hated, desired, and be a source of mystery, pleasure, and on and on and on. While McCartney makes molds of various body parts belonging to men and women, I take particular interest in his Great Wall of Vagina. Not only because I am female and own a vagina but because I understand that our patriarchal culture caters to the almighty penis. More so, our patriarchal and heterosexist society caters to the straight male penis.

A woman's vagina is often framed in a sexist context. Vaginas are often perceived as being what mainstream media and pornography claim it to be. The result is a very narrowed line of thinking. Women are told what vaginas are supposed to look like, how they are supposed to be used, that they are usually to be submissive and dominated by a man's supposed prowess.

British artist Jamie McCartney has created a wall sculpture which consists of 400 vagina molds. He is the male Eve Ensler. He is offering The Vagina Monologues in a new way. A picture...or a sculpture is worth a thousand words.

In speaking about the connection women have to their vaginas, McCartney says, “For many women their genital appearance is a source of anxiety and I was in a unique position to do something about that.”

Being that I myself have a love/hate relationship with my vagina and vaginas in general, I took particular interest in McCartney's work.

McCartney recognizes that women may not understand just how different vaginas can be. It makes sense to me as us women do not see our vaginas very often. I think this is something that men sometimes take for granted. Women can go days, months, years without really seeing their vaginas. I don't often whip out a hand mirror and look at myself. I've done it though. And actually every now and then I actually make a point of looking at myself. It's always an interesting experience. A sometimes celebratory and a sometimes unfortunate experience.

The porn industry sends the message that there is such a thing as the perfect vagina. McCartney's work is actually featured in the Channel 4 documentary, The Perfect Vagina. Women do a lot to maintain the appearance of vaginas and some go as far as labiaplasty.

I am curious as to what goes through McCartney's head when he is working with vaginas. Perhaps he's focused on getting a good mold but I wonder if there is any judgment on his part. If he ever thinks that one vagina looks better than another. I wonder if he is ever attracted to what he sees.

I like that McCartney's art does not exude any kind of erotic flavor. He is hoping to create a discussion about female genitalia. I'd like to know more about why McCartney chose this endeavor. I suppose this is my mistrust and suspicion talking. Regardless of my minimal suspicion I am grateful to McCartney and I applaud his efforts and his talent.

I'd participate in his artwork in a heartbeat. Initially I thought, damn it's too bad the man works out of Bristol. All is not lost. I recently learned that McCartney wants to collect molds from women worldwide. By contacting him you can get a DIY casting kit in the mail. The kit is equip to make two molds. One for McCartney and one for you. I think I might do this! To be honest I'd love it if McCartney could do this himself. I think it would be wonderful to be a part of the experience. It'd be interesting to challenge my level of comfortability with a man and artist viewing my vagina up close and personal. But how great to do it in the name of art and in the name of women.

Hmm, just where would I keep my vagina mold? On the mantle? I'll have to consider the decor of my home. Heh!

If you are interested in receiving a casting kit you can contact purchase it from his website.

The website doesn't tell you how to send the mold to McCartney or how and when he wants it shipped. I will be contacting McCartney for instructions.

Jamie McCartney - studios

7 Ship Street Gardens
Brighton BN1 1AJ
01273 227 1531
jamie@jamiemccartney.com
www.jamiemccartney.com