"My performances may have elements that some may find entertaining, but that's not my main purpose."
About Vaginal Davis
Vaginal Davis — Life and Legacy
Vaginal Davis is a prominent figure in the realms of performance art and activism, recognized for her bold exploration of identity, race, and sexuality. Her work often challenges societal norms and provokes thought on the complexities of self-expression. Davis's philosophy is encapsulated in her assertion that 'I am a product of my environment,' which underscores the deep connection between personal identity and cultural context. This perspective invites audiences to reflect on how their surroundings shape their experiences and artistic expressions. Through her performances, Davis embraces contradictions, encouraging individuals to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of their identities. Her art is not just a reflection of her personal journey but also a broader commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities. By challenging conventional ideas of fame and recognition, she advocates for authenticity and the courage to defy societal expectations. Davis's impact resonates strongly within the LGBTQ+ community, where her work inspires others to embrace their uniqueness and resist conformity. Her quotes and ideas continue to influence discussions around identity and resistance, making her a vital voice in contemporary art and activism.
Quote collection
Vaginal Davis quotes
9 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"When it comes to performance art, I am more interested in the failures then the so-called successes. I have never cared for entertaining anyone."
"Paris is my favorite city in the world. The men are so beyond gorgeous, especially the humpy Arab men. But I could never live in Paris, it's a boutique city."
"Only Los Angeles could produce a creature such as myself. New York is a boutique city. You have to be wealthy and of privilege to be able to live comfortably there."
"I obsess and fantasize about whatever attractive men may be on the flight. Though these days the pickings are lean. No one flies regularly anymore but fugly, bland businessmen, and hideous families with no-neck monsters for children."
"I have always hated flying. I mainly pass the time writing letters. I am very old school and I still keep many correspondences the old-fashioned way, via post."
"The best performance advice I have ever been given was to "Know where your light is, onstage.""
"I am not a sentimental or superstitious person, so I don't have any pre-performance rituals. I am a very practical woman. After a performance I am always hopeful that I will lure someone home for a ritual of a more personal nature."
"I have never lived in New York City, but a lot of people think that I am a New Yorker, because I was embraced by the Downtown scene since the 1980s. For the record I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California."