VIProject
Vulva Imprints Project
March 2017
Press release:
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-welland-tribune/20170315/281814283673139
“A woman cannot make the culture more aware by saying ‘Change.’ But she can change her own attitude toward herself, thereby causing devaluing projections to glance off. She does this by taking back her body. . .”
Women Who Run With the Wolves, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
The plan...
I invited women to take part in an inspiring project promoting women’s self-awareness, sexual validation and freedom. This artistic journey of women’s self-discovery promoted women’s voices while assisting sexual assault support centres. All they needed to do was create a print and send it to the VIProject.
Why was this project needed?
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Many women are ashamed or feel uncomfortable with their own intimate body parts
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In many cultures, the vulva is perceived as filthy and best left unmentioned
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One in three women were sexually abused by the time they turned 18
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Female genital mutilation is sadly still prevalent in many Muslim countries
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In porn, the vulva is often objectified and used as a tool for men’s sexual satisfaction
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Vulva plastic surgery is a growing, concerning trend
Ideological purpose
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Celebrating femininity
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Promoting awareness of the prevalence of sexual abuse
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Empowering women’s intimate self-exploration and acceptance through art
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Generating respect for, imagination, and creativity about the vulva
Operational purpose
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Collect donations for centres offering therapy to sexual abuse survivors.
How was it done?
Content of VIP kit (required materials)
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Small bottle of paint in the colour of your choice
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Quality paper (ex.180 gram) big enough for your butt
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Disposable plate
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Paper or plastic to protect the surrounding area from stains
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Towel or cleaning wipes
Location
I invited participants to choose a safe place, where they would feel comfortable to undress and create without interruption.
Instructions
1. Choose your colour of choice using acrylic, tempera or finger paint.
2. Pour it in a big, disposable plate.
3. Take your clothes off (in a safe comfortable space)
4. Place the plate on a hard surface, like a chair, and sit on it (enjoy the cool temperature of the paint and take a minute to notice your body’s sensations)
5. Sit again on a piece of paper and celebrate your imprints as many times you wish.
After the paint dries, take a step back, look at the artwork and name your creation (distance always gives us a new perspective). Write the title in the middle of the page below the print.
Thank you for your participation. Together, we could generate significant change!
Feel free to e-mail me any comments, thoughts or questions.
Sincerely,
Hannah