The Vulva Art Project

Short Summary

My name is Arkady Brown and I am the creator and photographer of The Vulva Art Project. What stemmed from my personal photography, fine art boudoir, turned into something unexpected. Having seen and photographed numerous women with body shame, I wanted to know where does it all start? Through my questioning, I realized that a lot of shame first originates around women’s vulvas and how we first learn, or don't learn, about them, and the trauma that they may undergo.

This project is not only important to me, but also to the other 47 women involved. This has created a safe and healing space for the women to process their own shame and trauma.

By donating to the project, you’re not only helping bring the project to full fruition for the current women, but you will also be helping me take this project elsewhere, and help many more women release their shame and trauma too.

What We Need

The funds that I am asking for will go to the following:

Printing- All of the photographs will need to be printed 2x. One set of images is for the final reveal while the other is for each woman to have her own image. ($500)

A celebration reveal- This project has 3 parts. First is the intense questionnaire that all of the women are asked complete. It goes through their story and how they see their vulva. The second is the photography session. Each session was meant to feel like a women’s circle; safe and inviting. Women gathered at the studio with snacks and drinks, and one by one, I photographed them privately. The third is the celebration reveal. To release shame means to shed light on something and see the beauty. So, on February 24th, we are having an public art show reveal. This will be a true party for the women in the project, it will also be the first time they all see their image on the wall. ($1300)

Time-This passion project turned into something larger than expected and has definitely taken time away from my personal business, therefore, I have been volunteering my time. Part of the funds would help me sustain myself so I have the means to produce the project. ($2000)

Post reveal-my goal is to create the following, in which costs are unknown at this time:

Beautiful artistic posters with all the vulvas. Three different styles, including a grid layout and mosaic layout.

Traveling art show. There is a need for our culture to see all the shapes and sizes that vulvas come in. Therefore, I would love to take this project to whomever needs it.

A book of the women’s stories and images. I have been asked if I will make a book, and I would love to. These women have shared some of the most vulnerable parts of them. I would love to immortalize that.

Continued photography. In order to make a book, I would love to have at least 100 images. That would require more time, money for space, and printing.

If my full goal is not reached, the funds will still go towards finishing the project and the reveal. I will continue to seek funding for the artistic posters.

The Impact

The impact of this project has been felt not just by the 47 women involved, but everyone who hears about it. In our country’s current state of events, this project is needed now more than ever. Women want to own their bodies and release their shame. Shame that’s not even their fault!

“It has been an emotional journey getting to a place of loving my vulva, the way it looks, the way it smells, the way it feels. My vulva is a gauge for how I’m doing physically and emotionally and being able to listen to and take care for this special part of me makes me feel super grateful and excited to celebrate and support women and their relationship with their vulvas,” wrote a participant.

“I am excited to be ‘seen,’ just as I am. I’m excited to share this vulnerable and freeing experience with other women and I’m excited that Arkady is bringing this into the world so that our sisters and the sisters who come after us might feel less body shame and more body love,” said one project participant.

Please donate not for me or the current women, but for all the women who have similar stories.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please visit the project’s website at www.thevulvaartproject.com and help spread the word about the project.



Thank-you!