A local Melbourne sculptor, Greg Taylor, who from what I can tell from likes to incite in order to get publicity for his work, had a local exhibit running titled “Cunts”.
Posters like the one depicted were evidently used as advertisements, but were torn down because they were considered offensive.
I found the reference to this originally at “Dogmatic” in a post titled Cunts. You will find some photos of the exhibit at dogmatics flickr set. According to blogged by jane wilson this sculptor had 120 woman ages 18 to 84 as artist models for this body of work.
Now, I don’t care that Jane Fonda used the C word, and the network had to issue an apology. I find it a little insane ( really totally without reason) that some people called it the “most vile word in human language”. ( I can personally think of many other words more vile starting with murder, rape, starvation, and genocide, but hey that’s just me) I’m also aware of the the linguistic inequality the word has suffered. Despite it all I don’t want to reclaim the word. I find it a sharp vulgar word, best used to instill fear. We should save it for that. Used pejoratively the meaning of the word is a modern construction. In ancient times they knew better, but hey what can you do.
As for the real thing I don’t have to reclaim it, I’ve never lost it. I take it wherever I go. Just in case.
I don’t care about the C word, though it never fails when someone writes a book, a play, or exhibits a piece of art in which the vagina is the main character there is always attention to be had.
What I do care about is the answer to this question.
Do you really think 120 females age 18 to 120 really put their all out there for this guy to sculpt, or are some of these pieces derived from his imagination.
peace
The photo from a forum at atomic where cummings posted it.
The C word isn’t one of my favorites–but “four letter” words lost all meaning to me a long time ago–the words you said are more horrific
I would assume that many females love to put it all out there. Why? Ego, to lessen the importance of body parts, to show that they’re proud.
Personally I believe somethings should be private or between partners but I’m “quaint.”
I remember the word was used prolifically when I was in England, especially around the soccer fields. Soccer players were especially fond of calling each other cunts.
I’m not sure about the 120 female models, one should only be so fortunate.
When I expect a lecture I get something funny.
What are those sculptures made of anyway? Are they molds or some kind of hand done thing?
We should not let words undermine us. I like your idea of using it to instill fear. Some men will always fear the vagina.
pia: Words can be powerful to those who are powerless.
john” I don’t remember hearing it much when I was there last for six weeks freshman year but I didn’t hand around too many soccer fields.
jacob: I don’t give lectures Jacobo. Don’t you know that by now? I read somewhere they were porcelain, but I’m not certain.
Sensationalist posters.
I don’t know about the 120 woman. Maybe for the sake of art. Who knows.
I find when words are involved, it is in the eye of the beholder that matters most. Some get fired up pretty easily, including myself, when certain things are said.
I guess it depends on how much of a hold you let such words have over you.
I don’t particular like the “s” word (since you know what I mean) but it happened when a person’s usage of it in a diatribe of several pages was released. But that is what we choose to do.
It doesn’t surprise that “an art-tist” would use the C word to stir up the masses for his own egotistical desires. Just hope he didn’t focus too much on the 84-year old “down under” region. ;)
Thanks for the Heart add. Your blog entry inspired my post.
Later.
hmmmm I think I would prefer to see words like Care…..Kind….and Love….spread around more….
obviously the show will sell out as he has 120 clients who will surely purchase their porcelain self portraits :)
All words, even “bad words” are simply social constructs. A word is deemed to be filled with negative meaning and history then.. that’s what it means. It’s crazy that “silly words” aren’t as much of a taboo even when it’s absolutely clear that what you MEAN is taboo. Darn is one that stands out for me. We all know you mean damn. So dammit, say it. Dancing around the English language to not offend someone is dubious.
I’m going to start saying cunt instead of pussy.
I’m probably missing some vital humanitarian/feminist angle here, and I’ll hate that about myself if I ever fully comprehend the problem, but on a practical level it’s the context in which the word is used. The word pussy used to be fairly scandalous. Yes, Pia, it’s a way personal word, but the connotation is positive and its usage has broadened. It’s a colloquial replacement word for vagina in some circles. Or maybe I need new friends. Pussy is like the angelic side of cunt. Well, maybe not so angelic. More like carefree vs serious. I’ll stop now.
Oh, and Judy Chicago did vaginas in the 70’s.
http://johnperreault.com/_wsn/page5.html
See? I grew up around a lot of people, male and female, who threw the word around just like any other cuss word or curse. I don’t put it into any more harsh of a category than any other.
Cooper your blogs are of such great substance… you simply Light Up My Day….http://climateofourfuture.org/you-light-up-my-day-award/
Well, I’ve known women who have reclaimed that word and others who say “the C word”. I agree that it’s all about context. But, thanks for those links: I totally missed that and it reminded me of the “Cunt Coloring Book” illustrated by Tee Corinne. No, I don’t own a copy :-)
Words are words, people give them context, people can be mean and ugly.
Artists always get the women.
You light up my day too. ;)
When I was student teaching I heard that word thrown around in the middle school. I remember not knowing quite what to do. I have a better idea now.
Art is funny that way, as if artists can’t get attention any other way. He could have titled it anything, not that cunt is a bad word, I just questions the motives of a man using it.
I never liked the word. Too many who I knew found it very offensive. Their feelings mattered.
Pussy isn’t such a bad word. Especially if ya have a cantankerous, PMS-driven male cat named sauerkraut.
120 women, eh?
I once, well, no, twice, took anatomy and physiology. Parts 1 and 2. I was the only guy in a class of about 50 women. When we had to sketch the crotch areas, the conversations got very very interesting. I’m sure I blushed a time or 4.
meow.
It’s entirely possible that he had 120 woman posing for this project. Some people would do anything in the name of art.
kait: I’m with you.
Jason. I see your point.
laketrees: LOL, surely the will. I sometimes think it is about intent. The word is only bad because of intent.
Kevin: Of course but historical if you talk ancient…the word was not meant that way. Like I said intent and I still think men use it in those when they are feeling powerless over women and the intent is obvious and sometimes vicious.
sandra: I had a pussy post once, it wasn’t very good but in general I don’t often talk about my pussy and I’m not likely to call someone a cunt, I just see no opportunity.
mojo: I do think there are some places where that is the case. Words really don’t mean that much to me.
Deb: Appreciate it.
zYDECO: I might have an extra copy,….* looks under bed*
casey: only temporarily.
kait: kids these days are tough aren’t they? I mean have no idea so it is a serious question.
sk: I’m not fond of pussy I find it a silly word really.
G: I have my doubts.
Some people have no class, but as long as you brought up the subject - scientists have found the ‘G’ spot, however not all women have it - how’s that for irrelevancy.
Off topic - since comments are closed on your latest post - ‘What if I sang out of tune’ -thanks for the video.
There’s another song that Joe Cocker did that I’d dedicate to you - “You are so beautiful to me” - no agenda - just letting you know how wonderful you truly are.
Wishing you all the best wherever you go.
I think woman found the G spot long before scientists.
Your welcome, damn fine video I think.
Hummmmmmmmmm…….
;PPP
An artist friend of mine Susan Stewart did a series of Paintings on the Yoni* I thought they were Beautiful like a Flower* very Mapplethorpe*
I read an interesting quote from James Earl Jones in Vanity Fair who is appearing as Big Daddy in a revival of Tennessee Williams Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - “When the Play was written you couldn’t say the word Fuck onstage.” He grins. “I Love saying the word Fuck onstage.”
I felt vindicated for all the times i’ve had to tell Fucking Cunts to Fuck the Fuck Off!!
;))
atanyrate I’m sure the Artist could easily find 120 Young Aussie Fair Maidens to pose* Eh She’s a Goer!!