CLITERACY, 100 Natural Laws, neon, vinyl, wood, plexi, acrylic, 10 x 13 feet (3 x 4 meters), 2012

CLITERACY, 100 Natural Laws, neon, vinyl, wood, plexi, acrylic, 10 x 13 feet (3 x 4 meters), 2012

 
 

“CLITERACY upholds that all bodies are entitled to pleasure, which is fundamental to full citizenship.”

CLITERACY, 100 Natural Laws is a text installation created in 2012.  The first work in the ongoing project, the piece is comprised of vinyl text on wood 10 x 13’ (3 x 4 meter) and neon on plexi 2 x 6’ (60 x 162cm). Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969, but it took another 29 years for the complete anatomy of the clitoris to be proven. Few realize the clitoris is like an iceberg, similar in scale to the penis, and comprised of erectile tissue. This organ, which exists solely for pleasure and is present in half of all humans (half of all mammals, too), is all but absent in visual representation. The Laws of CLITERACY explore a paradox; the hyper sexualization of body assigned female in the context of scientific ignorance and cultural taboo. CLITERACY centralizes the subject position of the clitoris, offering new language and disrupting gender hierarchies. The project takes aim at the false logic of society that pathologizes sex for pleasure when pursued by people with clits and moreover insists upon locating shame – both literally and symbolically – in the genitals of people with vulvas. CLITERACY upholds that all bodies are entitled to pleasure, which is fundamental to full citizenship. The 100 Laws reference and remix diverse sources from philosophy to hip-hop lyrics. Intended to be viewed in public space, the project engages art audiences and mobilizes masses.