Venus Mound (from Tampax Romana) by  Genesis P-Orridge

Venus Mound (from Tampax Romana) 1976

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Dimensions: object: 305 x 305 x 135 mm

Copyright: © Genesis P-Orridge | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Editor: Genesis P-Orridge's "Venus Mound (from Tampax Romana)" is, well, an unexpected assemblage! The weathered figure and strange materials give it a rather unsettling aura. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: This work reflects P-Orridge's interest in challenging societal norms around gender and the body. The title itself points to a subversive commentary on commercialism and female identity. Consider how the use of the "Tampax Romana" brand, combined with the Venus figure, questions the historical objectification of women. Editor: It's like a sacred object, but also a critique of one. I never thought I'd see that! Curator: Exactly. The artist pushes us to think about the power dynamics inherent in representation and how those are shaped by both historical and contemporary forces. Editor: That's a really interesting point. I'll definitely look at this piece differently now. Curator: And that's the beauty of art, isn't it? To challenge our perspectives.

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tate about 1 month ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/p-orridge-venus-mound-from-tampax-romana-t13863

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tate's Profile Picture
tate about 1 month ago

Genesis P-Orridge is an artist, musician and poet who explores gender and sexuality. They founded confrontational performance art collective COUM Transmissions in Hull in 1969. COUM developed into influential industrial music band Throbbing Gristle. P-Orridge said this moved the art out of the gallery onto the street: ‘to test it out in the real world… a little mini-Dada movement, eh?’ P-Orridge self-identifies as ‘third gender’. This work was first exhibited at the controversial exhibition Prostitution at the ICA in London in 1976. Gallery label, July 2017