September 2007
Since Sept. 2000, I have been capturing a glimpse
of women’s most
private selves. I have been photographing vaginas to be compiled in a
book, titled: vagina vérité®.
It's been a fascinating and affecting experience to talk with many women
about their relationships with their vaginas and to see their reactions
to the images.
How it began:
It started one day when a friend of mine asked me if I liked the way my vagina
looked. Apropos nothing: did I like the way my vagina looked? As I answered,
I realized that I had never really taken a good look at it, and that other than
a bit of porn, I hadn’t really seen any other women’s vaginas.
I was pretty sure that they were all different, but had nothing to point to when
talking with my friend, who clearly thought there was something wrong with how
hers looked. What could I say? It struck me that there should be a book, a visual
reference for women like us. I would shoot one.
Update on the project:
So far there are 72 v-portraits. Having
your vagina photographed is a personal decision. The women
who participate in vagina vérité® are individuals of a range
of ages, lifestyle choices and comfort-level
with their bodies—what
they do have in common is their trust in me to document this deeply personal
part of us, and for that I thank them.
To complete the book, I am looking for
more participants. Each vulva, each women, is unique. By presenting an array of our vulvas, I hope to make it clear that diversity is the norm. There is no right way to look. At this point in the project,
I'm
looking
to
photograph
more
v-portraits
of women on the darker end of the skin-color spectrum, of women who do not remove hair, as well as of survivors of female genital mutilation—though all women are warmly welcomed to participate in vagina vérité®. Since we truly are unique, it will never be the case, that one like you has already been photographed!
The women who participate in this project may or may not be comfortable with their bodies. They range in age and lifestyle, and relationship with their vaginas. The one thing they have in common is trusting me with their v-portraits. These photographs are like rare gems, that can't actually be mined. They have to be offered as a gift, as if from some ancient, isolated tribe that has decided to welcome a foreigner.
I thank everyone who has participated in and supported vagina vérité®. I look forward to presenting you with the book! and to making vagina vérité® available to all women. My intention is to provide a collective mirror, to spark conversation about issues many of us have about self-image, intimacy, sexuality and identity. This book is for my friend, for all women—so we can see ourselves for ourselves. —Alexandra Jacoby
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viewing vagina vérité®:
 vagina vérité® upcoming exhibitions
vagina vérité® previous exhibitions
Seeking exhibition spaces:
I am seeking exhibition space for the v-portraits in the NYC area. If you know of a space that would work for the v-portraits, I'd love to to hear from you.
Participating in vagina vérité®:
vv-Salon, NYC
Attend a vv-Salon, where you can view the v-portraits and engage in conversation.
To attend click here.
To sign up for the vv-Salon mail list, click here.
v-portraits
If you're in the NYC-area and interested in making a v-portrait [photo sessions take place in Manhattan], or if you'd like to arrange a preview exhibition or a presentation to a group [location would depend on travel and expense from Manhattan, as I am self-funding the project], please
click here.
Publishing vagina vérité®
ˆ proposed book cover
Seeking publishing and printing info:
While I'm not ready to publish yet, I'm looking into publishers, as well as printers—thinking of self-publishing the first 1000 copies on my own, to gauge interest in the book, as well as to maintain my vision of it. If you can recommend a printer or have experience with publishing, I'd love to hear from you.
About Alexandra Jacoby
download CV
download artist statement
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