Breasts: An Explorative Exhibit @ Oddville
I can honestly say, that I have never had an experience like the one I had at this show -- in my entire life.
I go through a process when I'm in an artshow. So far it's been the same each time. I arrive early to get a prime parking spot. Walk into the location to confirm that yes, no one else is as on time as I am. Become somewhat awkward for the next hour not really knowing who to approach or what to do. Three hours into the show I've been swept away by the atmosphere, melting within the group that IS the artshow, accompanying and participating within the event. And I leave exuberant and hopeful for my next one.
This show did indeed have this process, but it was so much more enlightening. This show was about breasts, but more than that it was the understanding and de-stigmatization of breasts. My work has been so emphasized in women, based primarily on my own reactions and position in society and my own life. To be able to participate in something like this was overwhelming and such an incredible blessing.
I bought tassels from the amazing Glory Gale (@thegalery), actually an entire Tit Kit, which included various adorable pasties, tassels, boobie stress ball, glitter gel, and eyelashes (she even threw in her handmade Chinese New Year inspired tassels in for free!). And noticed that someone else was already wearing one's that she bought. I went upstairs to contemplate putting mine on, since my vision of this night was pretty much centered around 1. selling my painting and 2. empowering myself by freeing the nipple at some point during the show. I ended up finding some other gorgeous, amazing women who wanted to do the same and we all joined forces in this badass picture below.
And it was much more empowering and enlightening than I ever could have imagined. Although in the beginning I was apprehensive, afterwards I breathed easier. Being around other confident and strong women reminded me that I am, too!
The other aspect of freeing the nipple is men. Not the supportive men who respect and admire what you do, but the creepy men who didn't notice you when you had your shirt on, but now suddenly run to you with their plethora of questions. And they're always incredibly personal questions. I don't know you like that, bro.
Two more inspiring women came in with their own homemade body paint made of all sorts of different kinds of plants and herbs (which smelled A-MAZING!). They painted all the topless women and when it came to be my turn the feeling of the whole situation was so meditative. I loved being painted and surrounded by other women with their own warrior paint on. I felt like I was going into battle. And the funny thing I realized was that as women, we already and always are inside one.
Those creepy types of dudes I mentioned earlier came into play and showed up quick as lightening. Suddenly we were all so interesting and they wanted to know about our artwork. But not soon after having taken pictures of all of us and realizing we really did have ideas we could discuss.
I mean I could be glass half full here and say that the interest stemmed from participating in the show in this way and those people merely showing admiration for the fact. But it's all in the energy and body language. And you can sincerely tell the difference. For example, Richard.
Richard was excited about the body paint. Because, he explained, he carried glitter with him everywhere and now he could share it and be a part of this whole Breast Exhibit thing. He was already covered in glitter, and when I met him I thought that the two body paint Ladies had found him. But no, it was of his own hand. He told me he got it from a theater store in Venice beach. Either way, you could tell Richard's vibes were jubilant at the entire event rather than just our tits.
Moreover, being within the group of the topless, we worked together to feel those vibes out as well. It became a mini society of feminists and we all understood each others' tolerance and where the line was drawn around these men. And we respected that in each other.
It was just so intriguing to watch this in progress while being so vulnerable. And to see that that vulnerability played no part in these people's decision to be forward or self-inclusive in the moment. And in one instance inappropriate. [Even trying to post these pictures was a challenge -- creeps trying to post them to their porno blogs] Fortunately, none of that was the prominent feature of the night. Just something that we have all experienced and noticed happening in real time.
My painting was sold to the wonderful Natasha who felt so connected to my piece she needed to take it home with her. I was so excited to have someone understand what I was putting down in paint so well. The entire premise of my painting -- of making choices and moving beyond what you're afraid of, what is holding you back -- in action before us. It was incredibly emotional for us both, but as soon as the exchange was done we were grounded again and ready to move through the night with a settled progress and understanding within ourselves.
I am so inspired by having gone to this show -- by the art, the people, the entire experience. I'm so happy that I went. Thank you Ezra and Julia and to all who helped them make this night possible! It was a stunning success.
