All Cunts Are Beautiful

Artist Statement by Katarina Gorgeous

My art is a visceral response to the emotional geographies of pleasure and pain, particularly as experienced by women. After becoming a mother in 2017 and returning to academia, I delved into the complexities of shame, impostor syndrome and then joy and pleasure. This exploration, conducted within the confines of academia, unearthed a stark contrast between the pain I observed in myself and the women who surround me and the pleasure I sought to understand. This dissonance became the catalyst for my artistic expression.

In my process, I reject the rigidity of academia, embracing an anti-perfectionist approach. I prioritize intuition over intellect, allowing my body to guide my creative decisions. This allows me to explore emotions and sensations authentically, without the constraints of overthinking or overediting.

My recent body of work, spanning three intense months, comprises acrylic paintings on canvas, infused with spray paint. I approached this period as a transformative journey, akin to performance art, where each piece was a chapter in my evolving narrative. I worked on multiple pieces simultaneously, responding to each one differently, much like a child explores the limitless possibilities of colors and shapes. When faced with self-doubt and impostor syndrome during this time, I would repeat the affirmation “All Cunts Are Beautiful.”

My art carries a dual purpose. It sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of women's pelvic floor health, a topic that remains underfunded and underdiscussed. In the process, it challenges societal perceptions of women's bodies and confronts the historical objectification of female forms in art.

Ultimately, my work invites viewers to reconnect with their bodies, transcending societal constraints and embracing the full spectrum of emotions—both the joy and the pain. It stands as a testament to the power of art to spark conversations, question norms, and reframe perspectives, challenging the viewer to explore the intricate tapestry of human experience.